Flood and Coastal Erosion Committee meeting: 12 March 2026: Minutes

Committee Present:

Roisin Willmott (RW)    Chair
Paul Blackman (PB)    Wallingford Hydro Solutions
Anne-Marie Moon (AMM)    JBA Consulting
Robin Campbell (RC)    Arup  
Natalie Haines (NH)    Mott MacDonald 
Karen Potter (KP)    Open University
Andrew Stone (AS)    Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC    
Jeremy Parr (JP)    Natural Resources Wales
Mike Wellington (MW)    WaterCo 
Ben Kathrens (BK)     Carmarthenshire Council
Jean-Francois Dulong (JFD)                         Welsh Local Government Association
David James (DJ)    Welsh Local Government Association

Welsh Government 

Chloe Bonnington (CB)            Welsh Government 
Samantha Biggs (SB)            Welsh Government 
Alison Kitchener (AK)            Welsh Government 

Wider Speakers detail in the appropriate sections within the note.

Dominic Scott    Dwr Cymru – Welsh Water
Geraint Edwards    Conwy County Borough Council 
Catherine Wilson                  Cardiff University

RW began her first meeting as Chair by extending a warm welcome to all members, acknowledging prior interactions with many and expressing her anticipation to engage with those she has not yet met. RW encouraged feedback from members about Committee priorities and their experiences, noting this input would help guide the Committee’s future direction.

RW extended thanks to Martin Buckle, the previous Chair, recognising his substantial role in founding and growing the Committee, and highlighting its importance within the flood and coastal erosion sector.

NH noted that Mott MacDonald were supporting Welsh Water on its Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan, however NH was not directly involved. RC echoed this position in his role with Arup.

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as an accurate record.

Updates were provided against matters arising from the last meeting as follows:

• TAN15 FAQs – RW confirmed the Committee reached out to the Welsh Government’s Planning Division to offer comment on the draft FAQs. However, the team declined due to tight timescales and the need to publish before the upcoming pre-election period, but noted previous comment from the Committee in July 2025 had been accounted for.

  RW confirmed she was due to meet with the Planning Division w/c 16 March and RC offered support if needed, noting that while TAN15’s principles were set, clear practical guidance was essential, and this aligned with the Committee’s earlier feedback. JFD highlighted the likely implementation burden on local authorities and suggested RW request a short to medium term review of TAN15 once in operation.

• Future Wales – The national plan 2040. RW updated members that the Welsh Government’s Planning Division was expected to imminently publish a monitoring report covering the past five years, confirming any decisions regarding future revisions to the plan would be made by the next government, with the forthcoming monitoring report expected to inform those decisions.
   
• Flood RE – RW updated members on the response received from Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding, regarding the Committee’s Flood Re paper. The Minister confirmed that DEFRA officials were working with Committee members and the Welsh Government to support the ongoing viability of the Flood Re scheme and to improve uptake of ‘Build Back Better’ measures. Members noted the need to ensure adequate support for households not covered by Flood Re. 

Action 1: RW to circulate the Minister’s response to Committee members for information.

RW referenced the previous Chair’s paper summarising activities prior to the end of his term. RW noted since assuming the position of Chair, she has attended the Welsh Government’s Programme Board, noting positive updates on spending for 2025-26 and projections for 2026-27. Attendance at the Wales Coastal Group Forum and involvement with the Committee's research and policy and legislation Sub-Committees were also noted. RW has also focused on becoming acquainted with the Committee's ongoing work and engaging with its members.

Southwest Wales update

BK reported that the last regional meeting took place on 11 December, where the group reviewed its strategic direction and agreed priorities for the next 12 months. Discussions included:

• TAN15 and the resulting pressure on resources, particularly the increased technical expectations now placed on Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA) when reviewing applications.
• Updates in relation to ongoing Section 19 investigations, with local authorities providing input that had been fed into the relevant subgroup. 
• The severe impacts of the recent adverse weather, noting significant flooding in several authorities, where over 300 homes were internally flooded in Carmarthenshire alone, with some properties experiencing high levels of water despite property level protection. 

BK noted the next meeting was scheduled for w/c 16 March and expected to focus on funding, budgets, and year end grant returns. It was agreed RW would attend this meeting. 

Action 2: BK to send meeting invite to RW. 

Southeast Wales update

AS reported that the last regional meeting took place on 29 January, with formal notes of the meeting pending. The key discussion points largely echoed themes from other regions, including:

• Concerns regarding TAN15 including differing interpretations between planning authorities and LLFAs, and ongoing concerns about capacity, skills and resources. The group emphasised the need for clear national guidance to avoid each local authority creating its own approach.
• The launch of the new SAB Society (Sustainable Drainage Approving Bodies), led by local authority officers, and that it was viewed as a positive step given stalled progress on related actions. BK noted some uncertainty in Southwest Wales authorities regarding the SAB Society’s purpose and direction, partly as the SAB function in areas such as Neath sat outside flood teams. However, BK recognised strong enthusiasm for the initiative and agreed regional groups could help channel this once its aims were clearer.
• An update on the internship pilot, with strong positive feedback from participating authorities, though some were unable to take part due to short timescales, HR processes, and partial funding. JFD echoed the challenges in some areas but noted the positive impact of the pilot. 
• General concerns around resource pressures continued, with authorities prioritising statutory duties over best practice due to workload. 
• The group also reflected on the autumn weather impacts, noting highly localised but severe flooding, though previous lessons learned (e.g., from Storm Dennis) helped improve response.

A discussion followed the regional updates, where members reflected on a previous meeting discussion about strengthening feedback loops across regions. Suggestions included making better use of regional group insights and ensuring consistent two‑way communication. It was also proposed that the Wales Coastal Group Forum provide a standing update at each meeting, rather than only an annual report, given the growing importance of coastal issues. Members agreed that regular updates would help keep key coastal work visible and better integrated into wider discussions. 

RW welcomed Tracey Garrett (TG), Chief Executive of the National Flood Forum (NFF) to the meeting. TG provided a presentation on the NFF and progress in discussions around establishing a Welsh Flood Forum.

Following the presentation, members discussed the key issues relating to establishment of a Welsh Flood Forum. There was broad agreement on the need for improved community resilience and support, but concerns remained about the lack of revenue funding for engagement and adaptation work, which continues to place pressure on already stretched local authorities. Members suggested that dedicated community focused grants could help address this gap.

The Committee saw benefit in the overall case for a Welsh specific Flood Forum and TG confirmed the model was being shaped around Welsh community needs, and the Forum would scale activity in line with available resources.

Members highlighted the importance of practical considerations such as procurement routes, access to support, and clear measures of success, noting that behaviour change outcomes are difficult to assess. JP expressed support and flagged opportunities for co production and volunteer networks. TG confirmed that success metrics will be developed and welcomed NRW’s involvement.

Cautions were flagged about ensuring any Welsh Flood Forum does not unintentionally displace Risk Management Authority (RMA) responsibilities. Members stressed the need for strong partnership working and to ensure the Forum does not act as a substitute for statutory roles. Capacity building within RMAs was also identified as essential, and performance measures should reflect improvements for both communities and RMAs.

Finally, the group emphasised the need for early and inclusive engagement with Welsh stakeholders. TG agreed to audit engagement to date, confirming a survey to capture those not yet reached to ensure required stakeholder input. 

RW welcomed Redmond Jenkins (RJ), Strategic Environmental Planning Manager, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to the meeting. RJ provided a presentation on the Drainage and Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP).

Members thanked RJ for the presentation and explored several themes, including:

• Alignment with Severn Trent – RJ confirmed the approach presented is Welsh Water specific, but alignment with Severn Trent was maintained through national working groups and regular joint meetings with both NRW and the Environment Agency. RJ noted that while principles and methods are consistent, some catchment specific choices, such as climate change allowances, will differ.
• The use of local flood risk management strategies to inform DWMP – RJ confirmed growth projections and local strategies were fully integrated into modelling and capacity assessments. 
• SAC Rivers, nutrient constraints and growth projections – RJ confirmed SAC constraints are embedded through ecological status indicators, and Welsh Water participates in all nutrient management boards across Wales.
• Opportunities for stronger partnership working with RMAs – RJ confirmed Welsh Water was developing guidance with the Welsh Government and is already engaged with local authorities through asset management and developer services teams. As the DWMP moves toward implementation, the aim was to strengthen collaboration particularly by linking drainage engineers with local authority teams and aligning with Section 19 insights, though time is limited, with finalisation required within the next 12-14 months. 
  
  Welsh Water were also exploring how regional sub groups could support a more co-ordinated national approach to partnership working in Wales. AS clarified that SABs regulate new development, while existing flood risk management rests with LLFAs for Welsh Water to ensure it engaged with the correct teams in each authority.

Action 3: DJ to share appropriate local authority contacts with RJ.

• Climate change allowances and future trend modelling – how climate change trends (rainfall intensity, frequency, river flow assumptions) were incorporated. RJ confirmed detailed assumptions (including RCP 8.5 scenarios) underpin the DWMP.
• Water quantity – JP welcomed progress but noted that engagement focused mainly on water quality and not water quantity. RJ acknowledged this and agreed integration of water quantity considerations were to be strengthened within the DWMP. AS also encouraged engagement with NRW’s forthcoming Taff Catchment Management Plan.
• Welsh Water asset resilience to climate change and flooding – NH queried whether asset resilience (e.g., treatment works exposed to flooding or sea level rise) are assessed. RJ confirmed this noting resilience was one of the DWMP’s statutory pillars and was fully integrated into the options framework, alongside capacity and growth.
• Next steps and future Committee engagement – RJ confirmed he would welcome returning to the Committee with a further update once the DWMP moves into the risk delivery phase. 

Action 4: RJ to return to FCEC with a DWMP update at the start of the risk delivery phase.

Senedd elections

CB updated members that the Welsh Government will soon enter its pre-election period ahead of the Senedd elections in May, with recess beginning on 30 March, and the pre election period commencing on 8 April. CB confirmed current work is focused on completing end of term activity.

Committee review and membership

CB updated members that a review of the Committee’s structure, workplan and Sub-Committees was proposed (subject to Deputy First Minister approval) to ensure alignment with the new Chair and incoming Government’s priorities. Membership will be temporarily reduced while this review takes place.

Members completing their two term tenure and stepping down at the end of March were thanked for their contribution: Jean Francois Dulong, Paul Williams, Dominic Scott, Karen Potter, Catherine Wilson, Mike Wellington, Paul Blackman, Anne-Marie Moon, Natalie Haynes, Andrew Stone and Geraint Edwards.

Welsh Government Staffing

CB provided an update on staffing in the Flood Programme Implementation, Technical and Policy teams.

Flood and Coastal Programme 2026-27

• Revenue budget of £42m, including allocations for NRW, local authority Revenue Support Grant, Coastal Risk Management Plan funding, workforce development, and coastal monitoring.
• Capital programme has seen a record investment allowing all eligible schemes to be considered. Funding awarded to 106 small scale schemes and 35 National Flood Management schemes, anticipated to benefit over 12,500 properties.

Policy updates

• Coastal and adaptation work – work on the Coastal Adaptation Guidance (Measure 18) has continued.
• Resilience and response – the Welsh Government has committed to reviewing the Wales Flood Response Framework in Spring 2026. Internal work has started, and stakeholders to be contacted at appropriate stages.
• Local strategies – confirmation reviews of local flood risk management strategies are ongoing.

NH welcomed the increased capital investment but highlighted delays in Welsh Government’s business case review process. CB confirmed that recent staffing changes would specifically increase capacity in this area.

JFD raised wider concerns about Welsh Government resourcing pressures during the election period and potential changes in ministerial leadership, stressing the need for continuity across various areas of work relating to flood risk policy. CB acknowledged this and confirmed steps were being taken to secure staff cover, prepare for potential policy shifts, and maintain continuity across flood, coastal and adaptation portfolios.

10.1    Policy and Legislation Sub-Committee 02.12.25

AS provided an update covering both the Sub-Committee’s December and March meetings.

December meeting

• The Sub-Committee reviewed its draft work programme (prepared on the basis its work would continue in its current form).
• Progress slowed due to additional work required on the Focus Report (drawing together considerations around proposals 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 from the Case for Change) and delays to publication of the TAN15 FAQs, which the former Chair requested the Sub-Committee review.

March meeting

• The Sub-Committee stood down in full, ahead of the wider FCEC review.
• Members discussed key policy and legislative issues they consider priorities for the incoming Committee, including:
  o    Regulation of private flood defence assets, noting the long awaited DEFRA research report remains unpublished but is essential to understanding national gaps and recommendations.
  o    The upcoming review of the National Flood Strategy, and the likely influence of the NICW report and wider discussions on community resilience and the role of the National Flood Forum.
  o    Embedding adaptation and resilience within the strategy, and the need for future funding models that support this (rather than focusing solely on defence).
  o    The critical role of flood insurance and affordability as Wales moves toward a more resilience based approach.
• AS noted, that the Focus Report may return to FCEC in June, with MW (its lead author) potentially contributing as a non member, subject to arrangements with the new Chair.

AS noted thanks to Sub-Committee members for their significant contributions and commitment to the work as it formally stands down.

JFD highlighted that there may be opportunities in the next Senedd term to feed in known issues with the Flood and Water Management Act and Land Drainage Act, including private asset challenges. He suggested the Sub Committee could identify key legislative gaps before it fully disbands and offered his support to help progress this.

JP asked for an update on engagement with the Law Commission, AS confirmed the planned introduction did not take place, though the intention had been to strengthen links now that the Commission has a Welsh representative. Members stressed the importance of continuing momentum on legislative reform, given existing conflicts across key Acts that hinder adaptation.

Action 5: RW to engage with the Law Commission to continue the Committee’s dialogue on potential legislative review.

10.2    Section 19 Sub-Committee

PB updated the Sub-Committee last met on 11 February, with attendance from local authorities, NRW, the Welsh Government and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum. The meeting focused on agreeing the final content of the Phase 1 report, which has since been issued.

The Sub-Committee also discussed early actions needed to initiate Phase 2, including:

• local authorities and regional flood groups beginning to collate relevant templates, guidance and information.
• consideration of whether the WLGA may take on a co-ordinating role.
• NRW progressing work on data sharing platforms
• Welsh Government confirming links with DEFRA and any ministerial approval requirements linked to the Section 19 work.

10.3    Research Sub-Committee

JP updated that the Sub-Committee last met on 5 March, following the cancellation of its December meeting due to operational pressures. The meeting focused on identifying how Wales’s research needs could be best articulated and delivered without creating new burdensome processes or duplicating existing routes. The group concluded that a clear research gap exists, specifically, the lack of a structured mechanism for practitioners and academics to come together, share needs, and understand what research was feasible and how it could be funded.

Building on work undertaken by KP, members considered that a ‘research forum’ could meet this need. Environment Platform Wales (EPW), which already provides a pan Wales academic collaboration platform, appears a strong potential host, and the Sub-Committee has received presentations from EPW outlining its capabilities. The next step was to explore this formally with EPW, working jointly with Welsh Government, to determine whether and how such a forum could be established.

RW commented that the Research Sub-Committee may continue its work beyond the planned Committee review, as several members were remaining on the main Committee. RW added there was also possibility that university representatives stepping down from the Committee could continue their contribution to ensure continuity and allow the work to be completed. This was being explored to avoid losing momentum on the developing research forum proposal.

10.4    Resources Sub-Committee

RW updated that the Resources Sub-Committee met recently, and although unable to attend, it was reported that the session was primarily used by AK to consult members on a sector wide workforce survey in development by the Welsh Government. AK will present more detail on the survey in agenda item 16.

PB reported that the Phase 1 Section 19 Review had concluded, providing an evidence base and recommended direction for improving Section 19 flood investigation reporting in Wales. The review aligned with the National Flood Strategy, Professor Elwyn Evans’ 2021 review and DEFRA guidance. Engagement with LLFAs and partners achieved a 77% response rate, demonstrating strong support for concise, statutory focused Section 19 reports, clearer timeframes, more consistent approval and publication processes, and improved data sharing with appropriate safeguards.

Members discussed potential quick wins, noting Welsh Water’s interest in using Section 19 reports to support strategic planning. It was agreed that establishing a simple national approach to Section 19 reporting and data sharing would deliver immediate benefits.

RC queried whether the British Standard for flood investigations should be referenced for RMAs. PB clarified that proposed Wales specific guidance will focus on a brief statutory Section 19 template, with signposting to existing detailed guidance (including the British Standard) where more comprehensive investigations are required.

NH highlighted ongoing concerns regarding compliance with the Act due to lack of transparency around when reports are triggered, approved and published. The Committee also discussed whether insurance information could be captured through full flood investigation reports. Members noted that residents were often reluctant to disclose flooding due to concerns about insurance impacts, limiting the reliability of such data. Members also highlighted practical challenges in collecting insurance information and GDPR constraints on handling and publishing personal data.

While recognising the importance of the issue, members agreed the priority should be establishing a clear, concise and legally compliant Section 19 template. Any consideration of insurance related data should therefore be approached cautiously and explored further as part of Phase 2, rather than forming part of core statutory reporting.

MW referenced a recent meeting where the charity Flooded People presented research on developing a potential database for Section 19 reports in England and agreed to share the slides with RW to consider whether they would be of interest to the Committee.

Action 6: MW to share presentation slides from the Flooded People charity with RW when available.

In closing the item and discussing next steps, PB confirmed the report had been drafted on the assumption it would be submitted to Ministers, based on precedent from earlier Sub-Committee reports. CB confirmed the Committee should submit the report to the Deputy First Minister who would then respond noting the report, setting out any appropriate actions for the Committee to take forward.

Action 7: RW to submit the Phase 1 Section 19 Review on behalf of the Committee to the Deputy First Minister.

DJ provided a presentation updating on recent scoping work undertaken by the WLGA.

Members welcomed the update, emphasising the need to prioritise recommendations realistically to avoid further pressure on already stretched local authorities. DJ acknowledged capacity constraints and confirmed that resource implications would be considered as part of the next phase.

Discussion focused on achievable quick wins within existing resources, with members noting that more complex proposals would require additional resource. Improved peer to peer communication and knowledge sharing across regional flood groups was identified as a practical early action, recognising variation in group capacity, expertise and function.

Members suggested simple tools such as Teams channels or Viva Engage to support informal pan Wales sharing and reduce duplication. JP also supported the idea of a pan Wales networking or information sharing forum for strategic updates and case studies, potentially piloted on a self funded basis.

Members agreed that clear prioritisation of recommendations would be essential, informed by direction from regional groups, the Committee and future ministerial priorities.

Action 8: DJ to further consider resource implications of recent WLGA scoping exercise and work with regional groups and the Committee to identify priority actions.

RW welcomed Ben Hext (BH), Lead Specialist Advisor, Flood Risk Analysis, NRW. BH provided a presentation update.

Members discussed the future of the National Flood Asset Database noting that whilst understanding what assets exist was important, maintaining up to date condition information was increasingly complex. Although live integration between local authority asset systems and the national database is technically feasible, it would require significant ICT development, system interoperability and dedicated resources that are not currently available (and the cost would need to be balanced to its level of use – the number of views to the database had declined over recent years).

Members acknowledged that since NRW originally led development of the database, local authorities have significantly matured their own asset registers, particularly for flood, water, SuDS and highway drainage assets. As a result, much of the most detailed and current asset data now sat locally, increasing the complexity of maintaining a comprehensive national picture.

Members noted that moving from mandatory to voluntary annual submission risked data completeness over time but recognised the challenges in maintaining the national database, nonetheless, local authorities were encouraged to continue submitting asset data to NRW on a voluntary basis as good practice.

Action 9: DJ and Regional Flood Group members to reinforce messages to local authorities on the value of continuing to supply asset data to NRW.

NRW recognised the need to work with Welsh Government and partners to reflect on the strategic future of the National Asset Database, including whether a revised purpose, model or platform (e.g., DataMapWales) was needed, and what level of investment would be required.

As per CB’s earlier update, RW noted the Committee’s work programme would be reviewed over the summer to align with the priorities of the new Senedd term and the incoming Welsh Government. It was highlighted that preparation will be needed ahead of the new term, including considering how best to summarise key positions and raise the Committee’s profile with new ministers and Senedd Members. The next Annual Report will be an important tool for this engagement.

JP queried whether the expected churn and reduced capacity were reflected in the programme. RW confirmed the programme would be updated over the next few months through the period of transition while new members were appointed. RW noted that immediate focus was on tying off current Sub-Committee work e.g., Section 19 reporting and the Research Sub-Committee work before reviewing priorities. Members agreed that the work programme should not commit to activity that cannot be delivered with reduced membership, and RW proposed holding a discussion at the next meeting to identify priority areas and reshape the programme accordingly.

Action 10: RW to lead discussion at next meeting regarding priority areas of the Committee during reduced membership.

RW requested members respond to the consultation on the Green Paper regarding the shaping future water governance in Wales over the next few weeks, with thanks given to those who have already contributed.

Action 11: members to provide feedback to Green Paper consultation currently live. 

This was agreed. 

Action 1    

RW to circulate Emma Hardy MP response in relation to Flood Re to Committee members for information.   

Lead: RW

Action 2  

BK to send meeting invite to next Southwest Wales regional meeting to RW.    

Lead: BK

Action 3    

DJ to share local authority contacts with RJ to ensure correct contact information for engagement on DWMP.    

Lead: DJ

Action 4    

RJ to return to FCEC with a DWMP update at the start of the risk delivery phase.    

Lead: RJ

Action 5    

RW to engage with the Law Commission to continue the Committee’s dialogue on potential legislative review.    

Lead: RW

Action 6    

MW to share presentation slides from the Flooded People charity with RW when available.    

Lead: MW

Action 7    

RW to submit the Phase 1 Section 19 Review on behalf of the Committee to CB for consideration by Ministers.    

Lead: RW

Action 8    

DJ to further consider resource implications of recent WLGA scoping exercise and work with regional groups and the Committee to identify priority actions.    

Lead: DJ

Action 9   

DJ and Regional Flood Group members to reinforce messages to local authorities on the value of continuing to supply asset data to NRW.    

Lead: DJ / Regional Flood Groups

Action 10    

RW to lead discussion at next meeting regarding priority areas of the Committee during reduced membership.    

Lead: RW

Action 11    

Members encouraged to provide feedback to Green Paper consultation currently live.    

Lead: All