UK government steps in to aid families forced out of sinking village homes

Published: 21:15, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 21:19, 27 July 2026 The UK Government is prepared to spend tens of millions of pounds to help homeowners whose properties have been hit by ground movement. Westminster confirmed there will be no cap on spending after investigations confirmed the issue in Coalsnaughton, Clackmannanshire, is down to historic coal mines. Residents living along four streets in the town were told they had to leave for their own safety after the ground beneath their feet started shifting earlier this year. Buildings have been badly damaged by the moving earth and homeowners have been forced into temporary accommodation with no idea of when, or if, they will be able to return. It was confirmed the historic coal mines just yards under the stricken properties are to blame for the ground movement of more than 13 inches. Energy minister Michael Shanks said: ‘We have said any and all costs will be met by the UK Government, including we will reimburse the costs of Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Government that they’ve already spent on their response. Homes in Coalsnaughton were evacuated earlier this year after it was deemed unsafe ‘That’s not capped at all, and it’s coming from the Treasury reserve because it’s a one-off unexpected cost. But we’re looking at estimates into the tens of millions.’ The distressing series of events began on May 18, when ground movement was reported in Benbuck View and the street was promptly evacuated. By the end of that month households on streets parallel to it were told to go. More than 200 residents from 97 properties in the former mining village were ordered out, with their estate now the epicentre of a major operation in a bid to try save the buildings. Structural investigations, some using sophisticated drone-mounted laser systems and magnetic sensing equipment, have logged ground movement of just over 13 inches. Yesterday was the first time the Mining Remediation Authority could confirm it was related to the 19th century mines.  The findings come after an eight-week investigation by the authority, and yesterday the UK Government pledged to ensure homeowners are not left out of pocket. Where properties have suffered significant damage, alternative support could be made available to residents based on the condition of their home. And for those with the most serious damage, residents may be offered an option for the UK Government to buy the property at its full market value before the incident as well as additional support to relocate if needed. But with ground movement still happening, it is unclear as to when families will be able to move back.  Mr Shanks said: ‘Unfortunately there is no quick fix but the Mining Remediation Authority is providing tailored advice and support for every households and our priority is to provide longer term certainty as quickly as possible.’ Residents have not been allowed to return after being evacuated Planning documents outlining what lies beneath the estate revealed it was ‘in the likely zone of influence from workings in two seams of coal at shallow to 50m depth, and last worked in 1875’. Outside one property, the documents showed, there was an old mineshaft. John Swinney said he was ‘pleased’ the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) completed its report, saying it provides ‘clarity’ on how to proceed. The First Minister said his administration will work ‘collaboratively’ with the UK Government and the MRA, supporting the council and the residents. Nikki Bridle, chief executive of Clackmannanshire Council, said: ‘We do not underestimate the ongoing impact on residents or the considerable work that remains ahead.’ Carl Banton, the MRA’s chief operations director, said: ‘We will be contacting affected residents directly to explain what this means for them personally.’