Coastal Erosion and Flood Control: Finance
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of whether the distinct cost profiles of flood risk management and coastal erosion schemes are adequately reflected in current funding allocations; and whether she plans to adjust funding approaches to better account for these differences.
Answered by Emma Hardy
This Government recognises that coastal flooding and erosion projects can have high costs. In October 2025, following consultation, the government announced major changes to its flood and coastal erosion funding policy. Under the new rules, flood and coastal erosion risk management projects are eligible for 100% for the first £3 million of their costs, and 90% above £3 million – the vast majority.
In addition, on 28 January, we announced £30 million for Coastal Adaptation Pilots which will deliver advanced adaptation actions. The new pilots build upon the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme, which continues to support coastal authorities to trial new methods for managing erosion.
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