What steps is the Minister taking to enhance and invest in flood defences in North Wales to ensure the resilience of communities and infrastructure against the threat of flooding?
We have committed to fund additional flood protection for 45,000 homes this Senedd term. As part of our Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) Programme, we agreed a 3-year capital budget (2022-2025), totalling £102 million. This allows us to better plan our investment, and to support at risk communities. This year (2023-24) we have made £8,256,941 capital funding available to Risk Management Authorities in North Wales. We estimate this funding will benefit 3002 properties. Our increased capital spend is matched by our highest revenue offer £225k per local authority to allow them to prioritise flood work.
Through our Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP), we have also made over £140 million to support the construction of eight schemes in North Wales, and a further two schemes are due to commence construction this year with an additional £9 million investment.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) also offers support on ‘What to do before, during and after a flood’ which is available on their website. I strongly encourage anyone concerned or affected by flooding to consult this support.