Flooding can be devastating enough when it happens once to a community—the clean-up, the high costs, the insurance companies who often find loopholes and too often refuse to pay—but another aspect I'd like to draw attention to is the psychological effects that flooding wreaks on those affected by it. In February last year, the residents of Edward Street in Ystrad Mynach were woken in the middle of the night by a neighbour who'd noticed the waters rising. Many of their cars were already ruined. Half an hour later, the water had got into their homes. I visited the residents that week, and I've been back a few times since, and I can tell you that it isn't just anger or frustration that some of the residents feel; it's fear. Every time it rains heavily, every time they're woken in the night by rain on the roof, the worry sets in: 'What if it happens again?'

Last February, I wrote to the Deputy Minister for social services to ask whether counselling support for children affected by the flooding could be made available. Of course, shortly thereafter, the pandemic took hold and usual school routines were disrupted, but in the midst of COVID, I'd like us all to remember that residents affected by those February floods had to stay at home in those houses where they didn't feel safe. That takes a toll on adults and children alike. So, when we talk about the need for improved mental health provisions in response to COVID—a move I support wholeheartedly—let's also please remember that there are many effects of the flooding that still lurk in the background too.

I welcome the fact that we're having this debate. I'd add to our motion. I'd call for a fundamental reassessment from the Government of how it doesn't just respond to flooding, but seeks to prevent it, to learn lessons. Those residents in Ystrad Mynach raised concerns with the council on numerous occasions, but they went unheeded. Flood defences that could have protected their homes weren't in place in time. Sand bags were given out instead of making sure that drains were unblocked. Dirprwy Lywydd, their story is indicative of stories in streets across Wales, streets that have been flooded before and that are, frankly, full of residents terrified that it could happen again every time it rains. So, I'd support the calls for an inquiry and I'd further urge the Government to remember the need for counselling. That hasn't gone away.