32
Deferred
Existing PFAS contamination in the environment must be addressed alongside prevention.
Recommendation
Existing PFAS contamination in the environment must be addressed alongside prevention. Even with strong restrictions on future PFAS use, the UK already faces significant legacy contamination. Without action now, this legacy burden will pose long-term risks to public health and the environment, and mounting costs will continue to fall on government (and taxpayers) and water companies (and water bill payers). (Conclusion, Paragraph 113) 47
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need to address PFAS contamination and commits to exploring further investment opportunities with UKRI, aiming to allocate funding for remediation projects from 2027/28.
Government Response
Deferred
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
Accelerating the development and deployment of effective PFAS remediation technologies will be essential to addressing the long-term legacy of PFAS contamination. Given the complexity and scale of the challenge, investment in research and innovation will play a critical role in developing practical, scalable and cost-effective solutions. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is already supporting projects that tackle environmental contamination in waterways and industrial wastewater through innovative treatment technologies, helping to build the scientific and technical foundations needed for future PFAS remediation. We are committed to exploring further opportunities with UKRI for targeted investment in PFAS remediation innovation, with the aim of allocating funding for such projects to be granted from 2027/28. Our intention is to help accelerate the development of effective and sustainable remediation technologies and strengthen the UK’s capability to tackle PFAS contamination.
Source
Committee
Environmental Audit Committee
Report
9th Report - Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
23 Apr 2026
HC 852
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
23 Apr 2026