Plaid Cymru has led the agenda on improving Wales’s flood responsiveness, securing millions of pounds from the Welsh Government for new investment in flood defences and support for affected businesses and households.
With many communities facing more frequent and severe flood events, further action is needed urgently to prepare for and prevent flooding, and to respond swiftly when it occurs.
A Plaid Cymru government will:
- Create a Flood Resilience and Preparedness Forum for Wales, bringing together local authorities, Natural Resources Wales, emergency services, and community organisations to coordinate national strategy on flooding.
- Establish Flood Resilience Hubs in at-risk communities – providing local centres for emergency planning, equipment, information, and training.
- Develop region-specific flood resilience strategies for each catchment area, supported by improved data, real-time flood monitoring and early warning systems to keep people informed and prepared.
- Call for the UK-level Flood Re scheme to be extended beyond 2036, and examine options for creating a Flood Insurance Guarantee Fund, to underwrite insurance liabilities for small businesses, helping them access affordable flood coverage in high-risk areas where premiums are unaffordable.
- Review the governance arrangements for Internal Drainage Districts to best support landowners and communities to manage flooding effectively.
- Take a whole catchment approach on investment in flood defences – including upstream, nature-based solutions – ensuring that this investment delivers long-term and durable protection from flooding, as well as value for money.
- Expand mental health support and counselling services for communities impacted by flooding events.