Government urged to provide more support for communities at risk of coastal erosion

East Riding of Yorkshire council is urging the government to provide more support for communities at risk of coastal erosion in light of an updated Coastal Erosion Risk Map, from the Environment Agency.

The map provides an updated projection of what England’s coasts could look like in the long term, using local data to predict how climate change could affect future rates of coastal erosion.

Following the release of the maps, council officers will assess the key implications for the coast, to put plans in place to help communities understand what the maps mean for them.

However, the council is urging the government to provide more support and resources to enable the region to manage the transition. The council will speak to Members of Parliament from the East Riding about the report and urge them to lobby Ministers about this issue.

Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader said “Coastal erosion is an active and accelerating risk in the East Riding. It is threatening homes, livelihoods and communities, and causing significant concern for residents. We recognise that not every home can be protected but it is essential that the government provide more support to protect areas where it is viable to do so. Coastal regions, and those who live there, must not be forgotten.”

The Council will continue to monitor coastal erosion rates and the condition of coastal defences. It will ensure that necessary action can be taken, to continue to protect communities where appropriate. It will also support those in areas that cannot be defended, to transition away from coastal erosion risk, in the short and long-term.