9. Short Debate: Supporting communities at continuous risk of flooding: Is it time to establish a flood forum for Wales?

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:21 pm on 23 March 2022.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 6:21, 23 March 2022

Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. I'd like to thank Heledd Fychan for bringing this debate to the Senedd today, and I very much agree that we do need to find ways to empower our local communities more in terms of flood prevention, because they know their local communities best. In December 2020, the Gwent levels experienced flooding in Magor and other parts, and there was great concern that the reens that drain that area were not properly managed and sustained, and agencies such as NRW were seen to be wanting. It seems to me that the only way we will get progress and better buy-in from our local communities, which we badly need in terms of the risk of flooding, is by empowering them and putting them in the driving seat, and empowering community councils, such as Magor with Undy Community Council, because these people do know the area best—they've lived there for many years very often—and whatever mechanism is found, they do need to be in the driving seat to a greater extent than is the position at the moment.