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Written question asked by Lord Hunt of Chesterton (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 January 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 February 2020. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 January 2020 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Coastal Erosion

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what funding they plan to provide towards (1) the prevention of coastal erosion, and (2) new housing and infrastructure in inland areas as a result of any such erosion.

Answer

The Government is investing £2.6 billion between 2015 and 2021 to better protect the country from flooding. This will deliver over 1,000 flood defence schemes to better protect 300,000 homes by 2021.

Of this £2.6 billion, over £1.2 billion of the current Government funding programme will better protect 170,000 properties from coastal change.

The National Planning Policy Framework expects local authorities to make provision for development and infrastructure that needs to be relocated away from Coastal Change Management Areas. There are a range of Government funding mechanisms (for new homes and growth for example) that can be used proactively to support change in communities. Coastal Protection Authorities (usually District Councils) lead on coastal erosion risk management activities in their area.

We are looking at current funding arrangements and an assessment of funding needs beyond 2021. We will continue to work with the Environment Agency to consider future investment needs and the Government’s role in supporting the resilience of communities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL630
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Construction Coastal erosion Housing Finance Infrastructure
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk