Local areas in Wales are facing a shortage of workers with experience in dealing with the impact of floods, auditors say.
A new report from Audit Wales has found that climate change, the associated costs of flooding and workforce capacity are some of the key challenges facing the flooding sector.
In 2021-22, the Welsh government provided £59.6m of funding for flood risk management. However, the report warns that with the impact of inflation ‘tough decisions will need to be taken about how to prioritise finite resources.’
The main challenge facing the flooding sector, according to Audit Wales, is the need to increase workforce capacity.
The report also said there were gaps in collective leadership and policy integration, and gaps in flood risk data.
The auditors also warned that building development in high flood risk areas could be exposing households and businesses to avoidable flood risk.
Adrian Crompton, Auditor General, said: ‘We have seen the terrible impact of flooding on our communities and the economy and climate change means this is likely to happen more frequently. The issues are not new.
‘Our previous audit work and other reviews have highlighted the need for action in long-term planning, adapting to climate change and building workforce capacity. Despite some positive developments, there are serious questions about whether public services can keep pace with the increasing risks and challenges associated with flooding.’
