£4.5 million Allocated for Flooding Relief Efforts in Rhondda Cynon Taf Post Storm Dennis and Storm Bert
Over £4 million has been designated for initiatives in Rhondda Cynon Taf aimed at mitigating the risks of flooding. The funding, assigned to the council via two Welsh Government schemes, will fund 26 different projects throughout the year 2025/26.
This substantial amount of £4.52 million will primarily target the enhancement of culverts and drainage systems vulnerable to flooding from various water sources including ordinary watercourses, surface water, and groundwater. Prior flooding incidents in the county have been linked to issues with culverts and drainage systems.
Following the widespread flooding that impacted nearly 1,500 properties in Rhondda Cynon Taf during Storm Dennis in February 2020, and a subsequent 200 properties affected during Storm Bert in November 2024, the council has already invested £100 million in flood alleviation works since 2020. Council leader Andrew Morgan acknowledged the success in reducing flood risks but highlighted the continuous need for further actions, especially in light of the increasing frequency of severe weather events due to climate change.
The section 19 report examining the flooding in RCT post-2020 revealed that certain areas in the county borough experienced flooding when drainage systems and culverts became overwhelmed. The excessive water flow, combined with blockages like debris, led to widespread issues. Data indicated that a significant portion of residential flooding during Storm Dennis originated from pluvial sources like ordinary watercourses and surface water, impacting areas such as Treherbert, Treorchy, Pentre, Mountain Ash, Abercwmboi, and Ferndale.
It is important to note that the allocated funding cannot be used by the council for main river flood defences, as that responsibility lies with Natural Resources Wales. However, the council plans to make additional investments into flood alleviation schemes, expanding the overall scope of financial commitment to combat flooding.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE expressed gratitude for the significant £4.52 million support, emphasising its critical role in executing an extensive flood alleviation program in the upcoming year. The council’s continuous focus remains on safeguarding homes, businesses, and infrastructure from the growing threats posed by climate change-induced storm events.
The total funding includes £2.83 million from the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme, supporting 14 local schemes in 2025/26, and an additional £1.69 million from the Small Scale Works Grant for 12 identified schemes. These schemes range from the construction phase of Penrhys Road to the design and construction phases of various other key projects in different areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
In conclusion, the significant financial backing from Welsh Government, alongside the council’s strategic initiatives, underscores the joint commitment to combatting flooding issues and enhancing community resilience in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The ongoing efforts reflect a proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents and businesses within the region.