Will the Minister confirm how many meetings she has held in relation to flood defences since 1 March 2020 and provide a detailed breakdown of these meetings?
I have continued to prioritise flood risk management following the devastation caused by the storms earlier this year and I have held numerous meetings, as have my officials, to discuss emergency funding for repairs, flood defences, support for communities and enhancing our support for Flood Risk Management Authorities. As such, the following list is not exhaustive.
Immediately following the storms I visited communities in Llanrwst, Pontypridd, Mountain Ash, Crickhowell, Tylorstown, Llanhilleth and Bangor-on-Dee.
The First Minister and I held a meeting at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council offices to discuss the flooding with councillors, emergency responders, local businesses and NRW. This was followed by a flood summit in Cardiff where the First Minister and Secretary of State for Wales discussed its impacts, as well as the funding being made available.
I announced a package of additional support for Risk Management Authorities on 3 April to assist recovery, promote natural flood risk management and accelerate the delivery of new and improved flood defences.
I have continued to hold monthly meetings with the Chair and Chief Executive of NRW. These meetings took place on 3 March, 30 April, 28 May and 25 June.
I presented the new National Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in Wales and delivered a flood update at Cabinet on 15 June.
My officials have remained in close contact with the Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee, Local Authorities and NRW in the response to the flooding, our new programme of investment and the new National Strategy.