← Back to House of Commons Debates
Coastal Communities: Government Support
01 June 2026
Lead MP
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSEconomyTaxationHousingCulture, Media & SportBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Neil Duncan-Jordan raised concerns about coastal communities: government support in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
MP Neil Duncan-Jordan discussed the challenges faced by his coastal constituency, Poole. He highlighted issues such as traffic congestion, lack of youth services, and a severe shortage of affordable housing. With average full-time earnings at £764 per week but monthly rent around £1,400, many residents struggle with high housing costs. Duncan-Jordan also addressed health disparities in coastal communities, noting lower life expectancy rates compared to other areas. He emphasised the need for a new approach to tackle social determinants of ill health and advocated for better protection of Poole Harbour's ecosystem. Additionally, he pointed out that tourism brings challenges like seasonal surges in demand on public services and economic pressures due to changes in national insurance thresholds and removal of business rates relief.
Jessica Toale
Con
Bournemouth West
Toale agreed with Duncan-Jordan's point about the need for a fair funding formula that considers seasonality.
The MP supported Duncan-Jordan's suggestion of expanding water quality monitoring and considering public ownership of water systems.
Government Response
NHSEconomyTaxationHousingCulture, Media & SportBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Government Response
Minister Caliskan acknowledged the issues raised by Duncan-Jordan, highlighting the Government’s commitment to supporting coastal communities. She mentioned MHCLG's Pride in Place programme with £5.8 billion investment and support for up to £20 million over a decade targeting economic, social, and health challenges. The minister also addressed concerns about holiday lets, noting almost £40 billion committed to affordable homes programmes and abolishing the furnished holiday lets tax regime. On health inequalities, she emphasised reforms in the NHS strategy including neighbourhood health services and integrated care approaches. Caliskan further pledged to consider improvements for swimming classes in coastal communities and cross-departmental work on water quality issues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.