Welsh Conservatives call for ‘tangible action’ from the Welsh Government on flooding
The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, has called for ‘tangible action’ to be taken to address issues around flooding in Wales.
The calls came during First Minister’s Questions, where Mr Davies urged the First Minister to mirror UK government plans to reduce the red tape preventing land owners from implementing local solutions to prevent floods.
Flooding during the Christmas period led to calls from the Welsh Conservatives for a three-point-plan to support residents and businesses affected.
Those plans included:
- Business rate relief for firms with proven losses;
- Greater support for local authorities to ensure that vital infrastructure is restored at he earliest opportunity;
- And a root and branch review of the way the A55 is managed.
Mr Davies said it was vital that action was taken to help families and businesses to get back to normal.
Speaking outside the chamber, Mr Davies said:
“Lessons must be learnt from the devastation caused by these terrible floods, and those affected want meaningful action from the Welsh Government – not just tea and sympathy.
“The Welsh Government should look at business rates in particular, and where losses can be attributed to the flooding provide some support to firms by way of a rate rebate.
“There must also be greater support for local authorities from central government, to ensure that vital infrastructure is restored at the earliest opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Mr Davies also called on the Welsh Labour Government to mirror UK Government plans to decentralise decision making and remove red tape; enabling local landowners and farmers to take local action to prevent flooding.
Under plans being introduced by Environment Minister, Liz Truss MP, farmers across England will be able to maintain ditches up to 1.5km long from April. This will enable them to dredge, clear debris and manage the land more effectively to stop it getting waterlogged.
There are also proposals to give internal drainage boards and other groups more power to maintain local watercourses.
Mr Davies said:
“Whilst big ticket investment in flood prevention schemes is important, there are a number of steps which could be taken to make it easier for local communities to alleviate the risk of flooding.
“The UK Government’s proposals, for example, will help farmers by cutting unnecessary red tape. I would like to see similar being considered here in Wales.
“Landowners and Farmers provide a wealth of solutions to flooding, including dredging, and de-centralising decision making to community level can only help.
“Lessons must be learnt from the devastation caused by this terrible flooding, and there are solutions that Labour Ministers should be prioritising going forward.”
