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 4:35 pm on 17 May 2022.

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Photo of Carolyn Thomas Carolyn Thomas Labour 4:35, 17 May 2022

Minister, I welcome that flood risk is a priority for Government. It's frightening and devastating, and I welcome this package of funding as well for it. Many of our old drainage systems cannot take the amount of monsoon-type rainfall we're experiencing more frequently, and roadside gullies and drainage systems need emptying more frequently. Plus, the responsibility of ditches, culverts and watercourses need mapping, so that residents know who to contact, as well as understanding what measures they themselves can take if a flood alert is in place. I remember we used to get flood alerts from NRW as well as the Met Office as a local authority, which were really useful. Following cuts in public service funding during years of austerity, we have lost the expertise that local authorities and NRW are now competing for to deal with drainage and to help residents as well. So, what's Welsh Government doing, working with public authorities, to increase the expertise and to help residents deal with these increasing flooding events? And, apologies, this might've really been a question for the local government Minister. So, thank you.