Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
6th Report - Erosion of trust: the impact of coastal erosion on communities
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 1317
Published 20 March 2026
Conclusions (1)
13
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Past FCERM funding arrangements have limited support for coastal management by relying on narrow benefit assessments that overlook wider, nonmonetised risks from coastal erosion and the existential pressures facing coastal communities and industries. We welcome the Government’s intention to incorporate broader nonmonetised benefits into the prioritisation process from 2026. However, …
Government Response Summary
The government clarifies its approach to incorporating wider non-monetised benefits into FCERM funding, explaining that these are already accounted for through qualitative assessments in project appraisals and existing guidance, including impacts on tourism, community viability, and coastal industries. It also notes that the Environment Agency is undertaking research on the mental health costs of coastal erosion, to be published in 2026, but does not address the concern about small projects potentially diverting resources.