Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Coastal Erosion

26 March 2026 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter Lab Suffolk Coastal

Agriculture & Rural AffairsMental HealthEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter raised concerns about coastal erosion in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The minister presented the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's sixth report on coastal erosion
  • The report warns that over 10,000 properties could be destroyed or lost by 2098 due to sea-level rise, along with 180 km of road
  • Coastal erosion is described as a complex issue impacting housing, public health, mental health, and the economy

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter

The minister presented the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's sixth report on coastal erosion. She highlighted the severe impact of coastal erosion in Thorpeness, where eleven homes were lost this winter alone. The report warns that by 2098, over 10,000 properties could be destroyed or lost due to sea-level rise, along with 180 km of road. Coastal erosion is described as a complex issue affecting housing, public health, mental health, and the economy. Recommendations include treating coastal erosion disclosure in property transactions, creating an equivalent insurance scheme for coastal risks like Flood Re, revising the coastal erosion assistance grant to address current demolition costs (now around £35,000), and establishing a long-term national strategy for relocation and financial support. The minister also emphasised the need for proper integration of shoreline management plans into local planning decisions to prevent future development in at-risk areas.

Other contributors (5)
  • Neil Hudson Con Penrith and The Border

    Question

    Congratulating Jenny Riddell-Carpenter on her powerful contribution, Neil Hudson asked if the committee would put pressure on the Government to address both this report and a previous one on rural mental health to support long-term mental health in these communities.

    Minister reply

    The hon. Member is absolutely right that our report highlights significant strain on community mental health due to coastal erosion. She will read with interest the previous report from the last Session for potential recommendations.

  • Richard Foord Con Taunton Deane

    Question

    Inquiring about the mental health benefits of exposure to the coast and specific types of coastal defences, Richard Foord asked if there was a preference for breakwaters over splash walls in Sidmouth.

    Minister reply

    SHP dictate appropriate investment levels; we must ensure adaptation options within categories. In her area, shingle reinvestment has been useful but future technologies should also be considered.

  • David Reed Con Stroud

    Question

    Acknowledging the committee's report, David Reed asked if there is enough focus on planning processes and placing houses in coastal areas with known risks.

    Minister reply

    Recommendation 37 specifically addresses this issue. Future development should take current risk into account to protect people buying homes in risky locations.

  • Steffan Aquarone Con North Norfolk

    Question

    Welcomes the report and touches on Flood Re, asking if the Government should work quickly to introduce a coastal equivalent. Also inquires about the social cost of coastal erosion, referencing Happisburgh's recent discoveries redefining the Anthropocene.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges collaboration between East Suffolk council and North Norfolk council regarding measures for coastal protection and cross-learnings from both constituencies. Emphasises the significant financial and mental health impacts of coastal erosion on communities and highlights that our coast is undervalued, stressing its long-term economic value.

Shadow Comment

Neil Hudson

The hon. Member Neil Hudson praised the report, highlighting its focus on mental health issues arising from coastal erosion. He asked the committee to put pressure on the Government to address both this report and previous findings regarding rural mental health to support long-term mental health in these communities.

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