Flood risk management

Flooding is expected to increase in the UK as climate change brings warmer, wetter weather. 

There are several organisations involved in flood risk management in Wales. 

As lead flooding authorities, councils must develop a Local Flood Risk Strategy and work with partners, including Welsh Government, the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.  

Lead flood authorities must also: 

• Keep a register of assets that could lead to flooding
• Investigate flooding incidents
• Promote sustainable development
• Regulate work near ordinary watercourses

National picture 

The UK Government’s Flood and Water Management Act outlines a national strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management. 

It outlines the roles of different authorities, including local councils, alongside the Welsh Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy. 

It also includes a requirement for local councils to oversee Sustainable Drainage Statutory Guidance for any new developments over 100 square metres.  

Local Flood Risk Strategy 2024-2030 

The strategy sets out how the council plans prepares for local flood risks due: 

• Surface water runoff
• Groundwater
• Ordinary watercourses eg streams, ditches, drains and culverts

It clarifies which organisation is responsible for the prevention and management of flooding, what measures need to be taken to reduce the risk of flooding, how work is prioritised and what communities can do.  

The council’s Climate and Nature Emergency Plan sets out what action is mitigations to reduce the impact of climate change, such as increased flooding.