The strategy isn't just about aspirations; it has set numerous measures by which its success can be judged. Many have already been met: we've published the Wales flood plan; we are delivering coastal surveys to inform future shoreline management decisions; we've launched our fully funded natural flood management programme. This Welsh Government is not just talking about change; it is delivering it. One of the most significant milestones in our strategy is the launch of our updated planning guidance around flood and coastal risk. The new technical advice note 15 was developed alongside the national strategy, complementing and strengthening our flood policy. Both are focused upon addressing the risk posed by climate change.

As our climate does change, the patterns of flooding and coastal erosion around Wales are changing and getting worse; extreme events are happening more often. Our strategy acknowledges that flooding is not just about rivers and seas. We place renewed emphasis upon the risks associated with surface water flooding and coastal erosion. And now, for the first time, the scope of TAN 15 has been widened to include the risk associated with surface water, smaller watercourses, drainage and coastal erosion. New developments in Wales will be safer as a result. TAN 15 is accompanied by a new flood map for planning that incorporates climate change. The new TAN 15, like our programme for government, is focused on the future. When we choose where new homes or schools or hospitals should be located, an area vulnerable to flooding, whether that's today or in 25 years' time, is not a sensible or sustainable choice.

NRW have published a new 'check your flood risk' service, and now householders have a quick and easy way of checking the risk to their home from rivers, the sea or surface water. This service forms part of our new flood map for Wales package, which will also demonstrate where our investment is benefiting communities and reducing people's flood and coastal risk. Our strategy has a key measure that ties Wales flood-map products to the management of assets so the public can see how our work and investment is making a difference to them.

But it is important to note that the nature of our flood-risk management assets are changing. Last year, when I had responsibility for flooding, I announced a new natural flood management programme to help encourage our risk management authorities to explore and develop natural flood management projects, and we've funded the programme with 100 per cent grant support. Already, the programme now includes 15 projects across 10 different risk management authorities, and, over the course of this programme, we will invest over £3 million to reduce flood risk to over 1,100 properties. Several of these projects have already been completed with works on site, and are working to reduce flood risk to affected communities. This pilot programme is just the start; it will help us to develop our understanding of natural flood management in Wales and the best way that we can deliver those projects. It is providing excellent examples of working in partnership with our communities, with our land owners and other organisations. And it's also demonstrating how such projects not only reduce flood risk but provide wider environmental and societal benefits.

I noted with interest the Tories' six-point transformative flood plan for Wales earlier this year, and I'm happy to reassure you that the Government has already set out what's in your flood plan, how they're already delivering on those matters, and introducing more robust ways to manage and reduce risk. NRW already have an overarching duty to oversee flood-risk management and do an excellent job of responding to flood events alongside our local authorities, and, of course, our emergency services. They've recognised where improvements are required and already stepped up their forecasting, mapping, flood warning systems and response to flood events, following the measures in our strategy and the lessons we learned from 2020.

We have our own blue belt policy in TAN 15; you will know how this is being strengthened to fully acknowledge the growing risk of climate change. I've demonstrated this evening how our planned investment programme is at record levels and how emergency funding was immediately made available following the major events of February 2020.

Whilst largely a reserved matter, flood insurance is something the Welsh Government has had a major influence in shaping, including the introduction of Flood Re. We continue to work with the industry to better promote this scheme and ensure residents know how it can be accessed, even if it's been declined in the past. We would welcome more support for businesses, but ultimately the decision not to include them in Flood Re was made by the UK Government. 

We do not feel there is a need for a separate independent inquiry, which Janet Finch-Saunders referred to, into the 2020 flooding in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which would divert flood officers' time away from delivery. The investigation reports, alongside NRW's review into that flooding, provided a comprehensive overview into the flood events. Our new strategy, planning guidance and flood and coastal programmes are delivering change and setting the direction for future ways of working. There is more to come, but the flood and coastal erosion committee is exploring ways to improve the legislation that we work within, and seeking new ways to support our work and bolster resources. 

Sadly, as the climate changes, we must all adapt, and this Government is looking forward, encouraging new ways of working, whilst ensuring our critical infrastructure keeps our communities safe. Diolch.