Rhondda Cynon Taff: Extra 拢1.1m for flood damage

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, The first minister said in February damage from the storms could have reached 拢180m

The Welsh Government is to provide 拢1.1m for the repair of damaged flood protection kit in Rhondda Cynon Taff after the winter floods.

The county was left with a 拢80m clean-up bill after flooding earlier in 2020.

Cash will be spent on repairs to culvert inlets and screens, and the repair or replacement of monitoring equipment.

The Welsh Conservatives welcomed the cash but accused ministers of delays to its flooding strategy.

It brings the cash for repairs and remediation to flood alleviation measures in the county to 拢1.6m, following storms Ciara and Dennis.

The council leader, Andrew Morgan, has estimated Wales would need more than 拢500m in the future to avoid significant flooding, while the First Minister Mark Drakeford said the cost of the damage from the storms could have reached 拢180m back in February.

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Pontypridd was one of many towns and villages hit by flooding after February's Storm Dennis

The Welsh Government said it provided 拢4m in repair funds in 2019-20 and 2020-21.

Lesley Griffiths, Environment Minister, reiterated a call for extra funding from the UK government, saying ministers "look forward to the UK government honouring its commitment to 'passport' that new funding to Wales in support of this crucial work".

A UK government spokeswoman said: "Ever since parts of Wales were hit by devastating flooding earlier this year, we have been working with the Welsh Government and local authorities over how we can support them in providing flood relief and protection for the communities affected.

"While responsibilities for flood defences and flood management are devolved, this work continues alongside other measures to assess the safety of coal tips which were also damaged in the floods."

Welsh Conservative rural affairs spokeswoman Janet Finch Saunders criticised the Welsh Government for delays to its flood strategy, saying it had not been in place in time for this year's floods. Its 2020 plan replaces a document published in 2011.

The Welsh Government said the updated plan "reflects the immediate lessons following the unprecedented storms events in north and south Wales".