Coastal Erosion
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the level of risk that reliance on pilot programmes to inform coastal erosion policy may delay the implementation of long-term support, given the potential for underlying economic and policy conditions to change before conclusions are drawn.
Answered by Emma Hardy
We are committed to supporting coastal communities. Alongside our investment into protection from sea flooding, tidal flooding and coastal erosion we are also piloting advanced adaptation, such as selective property purchases, adapting community buildings and early warning systems through the £30 million Coastal Adaptation Pilots programme.
These pilots will develop and test a proof of concept for long-term coastal adaptation. This includes addressing complex legal issues, financial mechanisms, and the acceptability of proposed measures within affected communities. The pilot’s results – supported by technical guidance and evidence – will help establish a sustainable, long-term model of support. These outputs will inform the policy and investment frameworks needed to embed coastal erosion adaptation into national practice.
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