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Coastal Erosion
26 March 2026
Lead MP
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHSMental Health
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Jenny Riddell-Carpenter raised concerns about coastal erosion 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:
Government Statement
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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