East Suffolk Council has welcomed the publication of a government report outlining the wide-ranging impacts of coastal erosion on communities.
The report by the Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, published on 20 March, acknowledges that coastal erosion is “a cross-government challenge that touches housing, health, local growth, infrastructure, and community resilience.” The Committee also found that “rebuilding the relationship between coastal communities and the Government will require a coordinated response that recognises the lived experiences of affected communities and ensures they have a meaningful role in shaping future decisions.”
A number of recommendations to the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) were made, including strengthening Shoreline Management Plans, and the establishment of a long-term national strategy to provide financial assistance and relocation support for properties at risk of coastal change.
Cllr Mark Packard, Cabinet Member for Planning and Coastal Management said:
“Councils simply cannot support communities at risk in isolation, without a co-ordinated national approach. Having provided evidence and information about the experience of communities in East Suffolk, including in Thorpeness, we are grateful that this report recognises the issues we face and makes recommendations that could help address the challenges we face in managing an eroding coast.
“We will continue to work with DEFRA and the Environment Agency (EA) on progressing the Resilient Coast project, which is part of the government’s £200m Flood and Coast Resilience programme. We look forward to embedding the recommendations into our new Coastal Adaptation Pilot bid for later in 2026.
“The wider recommendations regarding funding for the coast, and not just erosion frontages, are particularly welcome as we continue to identify a permanent solution to tidal flood risk in Lowestoft.
“We are also looking to undertake discussions with MHCLG and other government departments to demonstrate the value of the coast, despite climate change challenges - and the outcomes the coast can offer the nation in terms of sustainable growth, economy, green energy and the wider health and well-being.
“We anticipate that these recommendations will support strategic and local coastal management needs and deliver cross-government support and investments, which are needed to provide place-based solutions and adaptation to create a resilient coast, so that we can meet the needs of our communities.”