I'd just like to set out how the Government is supporting communities at risk of flooding and whether we feel it's time to establish a flood forum for Wales. 

We have in place, through the flood strategy that was published in 2020, a comprehensive strategy that sets out our long-term measures for reducing flood risk across Wales. The strategy itself drew on learning from the February 2020 storms that tragically impacted many of our communities. And now, through the programme for government and co-operation agreement, we have set out clear objectives and a substantial supporting package of investment to reduce flood risk and coastal erosion.

The Member will be aware that the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru are working together closely to develop the scope and terms of reference for the independent review of local authorities' section 19 reports and NRW's review of its response to the February 2020 floods. We intend to make an announcement on the review with a designated Member in due course, and it's likely that this review will consider the issue of a Wales flood forum. So, I think it would be preferable not to fetter this process and to allow the review to develop recommendations for us to consider and action. Aside from the independent section 19 reports review, which the designated Member and the Minister for Climate Change are leading, Wales's independent flood and coastal erosion committee, chaired by Martin Buckle, is undertaking reviews as part of its work programme, including clarifying roles and responsibilities relating to flood risk management activity.

The Welsh Government published research in 2013 entitled, 'Flood Advocacy & Support Service for Communities in Wales'—not the snappiest of titles, but it does what it says on the tin. This was designed to provide practical recommendations for developing flood support provision in Wales and led to our funding NRW to manage this work of raising awareness and building resilience within communities. And I don't feel that the work being undertaken by the National Flood Forum and the Scottish Flood Forum differs significantly to that which we're already delivering here in Wales through implementation of our flood strategy. Implementation of our policy is under constant review and we and our delivery partners look to address gaps where these exist and to learn from good practice. And we're continuing to learn from the events and our improving systems. Over the past 18 months, we've been pleased to see how well our risk management authorities have worked together, not only in undertaking their investigations but delivering improvements to those communities affected, and I expect to see this kind of collaborative working continue as we step up our engagement and delivery in reducing flood risk across Wales.

Investment in this area has never been so important, hence why we announced the 2022-23 flood programme funding package last week, and this is our largest ever flood programme, totalling over £71 million next year, with a three-year allocation of over £214 million, which will help deliver a stronger pipeline of future flood schemes and enable better forward planning. These packages will also help us meet the commitment to address the issue of flooding as set out in the co-operation agreement between ourselves and Plaid Cymru.

And I'm grateful, Dirprwy Lywydd, for the huge contribution from staff in local authorities, Natural Resources Wales, water companies, emergency services and community flood wardens, who play their role in protecting our communities in responding and in delivering measures to reduce flood risk. As the climate changes, we must all learn to adapt. We're looking forward, encouraging new ways of working whilst ensuring that our critical infrastructure keeps our communities safe. Diolch.