6. Statement by the Minister for Climate Change: Reducing vulnerability to flood risk and the independent review of the 2020-21 flooding

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:27 pm on 17 May 2022.

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Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru 4:27, 17 May 2022

(Translated)

I'd like to welcome today's statement and thank you very much, Minister, for your statement. The increase in instances of flooding due to climate change poses a major risk to communities, individuals and to businesses in Wales. It's entirely correct and to be welcomed that the voices and experiences of those people and businesses across Wales are going to be heard, via the independent review, so that we can learn how to protect and safeguard Wales from flooding in future, to protect our most vulnerable communities and to prevent further related destructive events. 

The announcement of the name of Elwen Evans as the individual who will be leading and chairing the independent review is, I think, to be very much welcomed. Bearing in mind her extensive experience, I'm sure that she will undertake a thorough and fair review that will give some certainty to local communities. Minister, it's that certainty and that element of comfort that are the items or elements that I would like to focus on this afternoon. 

What happened during the storms of 2020 has traumatised people, and continues to do so, and they don't feel safe in their homes every time it rains heavily to this day. Without certainty regarding what lies behind these cases of flooding, and without robust solutions, this torment will continue. Progress with this review, of course, is an important step forward, but could you tell us, please, what support will be available to support the mental health of those who have suffered trauma, and the psychological impact as a result of flooding? 

Something that would provide additional reassurance would be an early warning system. Plaid Cymru has called for the development, the funding and the introduction of early warning systems so that communities can be warned about flooding and other disasters before they happen. Such systems would be a boon, and I'd ask you, please, Minister, to give us the latest information with regard to the introduction of these systems and how such systems would then be funded.

And finally, to return to the review and its remit, I am very pleased that the review, which is taking place, of course, because of the influence of Plaid Cymru, builds upon work that has already been done and provides consistency in terms of all of the recommendations that have already been made. So, could you tell us a little more about that element of the remit, please? Thank you very much. I'm sorry, I don't know what happened with the sound there, so I don't know if I cut out halfway through, but thank you.