Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Not Addressed
Communities affected by coastal erosion and landslides face significant financial vulnerability due to the lack...
Conclusion
Communities affected by coastal erosion and landslides face significant financial vulnerability due to the lack of comprehensive insurance coverage. The Flood Re programme demonstrates that government-backed schemes can dramatically improve affordability and access to insurance for high-risk households. (Conclusion, Paragraph 19)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses ongoing Coastal Adaptation and Transition Adaptation plans (CAP and CTAP) and the forthcoming refreshed FCERM Strategy in 2027, which will inform future policy for coastal erosion adaptation. However, it does not address the committee's observation about the lack of comprehensive insurance or the potential for a Flood Re-like scheme for coastal erosion.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Supporting vulnerable coastal communities is a priority for the Government, and both the CAP and CTAP will be evaluated to inform future policy making. The CAP is managed by the EA and has been directly shaped by emerging findings from the CTAP and the evidence presented to the committee in December. The CAP will run between 2026/27 and 2028/29. A key objective of the CAP is to provide the evidence for a long-term model of support for homeowners at risk of coastal erosion. This includes developing and testing approaches to transition and relocation, with the aim of creating solutions that are practical, scalable, and applicable across different coastal settings. The CAP is also tasked with developing and testing 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. The EA will ensure that the practical lessons and evidence generated from CAP and CTAP are shared directly with coastal practitioners through the Coastal Group Network and RFCCs, facilitating the national rollout of learning. The EA is currently reviewing its national FCERM Strategy and will incorporate the lessons learned from CTAP. The refreshed Strategy is expected to be published in 2027. The updated national FCERM Strategy will embed coastal change, transition and adaptation as key priorities, and will identify measures to support mainstreaming innovative measures to adapt to coastal erosion. We will also continue to develop and oversee implementation of the SMPs to inform investment and decision-making on the coast for the next 100 years and beyond. 6. Shoreline Management Plans Committee recommendation, paragraph 37: The Environment Agency should work with MHCLG to strengthen the role of SMPs within Local Plans and use the ongoing Local Plan reforms to establish a statutory requirement for coastal planning authorities to incorporate SMPs as a core part of the evidence base for plan making, with compliance monitored through the Local Plan examination process. By December 2026, Defra and MHCLG should publish a fully costed roadmap for coastal planning authorities to achieve this.