Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and Plan (LFRMSP)

Overview

Neath Port Talbot Council acts as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for the county borough. Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 (FWMA 2010), we must create a strategy and plan to manage local flood risk. We published our previous Local Strategy in 2014 and Flood Risk Management Plan in 2015.

This updated Strategy combines the Strategy and Plan to communicate local flood risk in a simpler and more effective way.

Flood risk

Flood risk in Wales is driven by:

climate change
rising sea levels
an increasing number of severe weather events

Over 245,000 properties nationally are at risk. NPTCBC is responsible for managing “local flood risk,” including:

surface water
groundwater
ordinary watercourses

We also work closely with other Risk Management Authorities such as:

Natural Resources Wales
Welsh Water
neighbouring councils
emergency services
council departments

Neath Port Talbot contains three of Wales’ 33 nationally identified flood risk areas (Neath, Briton Ferry and Port Talbot). Between 2013 and 2024, 464 properties experienced internal flooding. This highlights the need for continued investment and strategic management.

Since 2015, we have made significant progress. Over £3 million of council investment and Welsh Government funding have supported capital and maintenance works. Hundreds of properties have benefitted. Asset management has advanced considerably, including extensive mapping coverage that enables faster responses. We have also adopted Nature Based Solutions and Natural Flood Management, completing projects at Gnoll Country Park and developing several others.

The Strategy

The updated Strategy sets out clear objectives, measures, and actions for managing flood risk. It aligns with Wales' national strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) and new legislative duties under the Well-being of Future Generations Act and Environment Act. It provides a structured approach covering:

climate risk
governance
roles and responsibilities
strategic ambitions
action planning
funding mechanisms
environmental considerations
performance monitoring

The Strategy will be reviewed every two years to remain adaptive and responsive to emerging risks and policies.

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