Climate adaptation and emergency response

Status / emerging findings

• Coastal erosion threatens 240–1,600+ homes across England within decades; East Suffolk alone expects 240+ properties at risk within 10 years, North Norfolk projects 850–1,600 losses by 2105.
• Local authorities are chronically under-resourced: Isle of Wight has only £80,000 annual revenue budget and 2 staff for coastal defence; most rely on time-limited programmes that collapse when funding ends.
• Communities report severe psychological trauma beyond property loss—grief, anxiety, unwanted media intrusion, and social breakdown—but wraparound mental health support is absent.
• Current statutory processes (bat surveys, flora/fauna assessments) are not designed for demolition contexts and delay action without improving outcomes; Shoreline Management Plans lack clarity on intent.
• Insurance, conveyancing, and relocation schemes are fragmented and inadequate; government has no plans to expand Flood Re to cover landslips despite 6,500 residents in active landslide zones on Isle of Wight.

Why it matters

Coastal erosion is displacing communities and destroying property rights, yet the government response is fragmented and underfunded—this inquiry determines whether affected people get genuine support or are simply left to relocate.

Tone arc

Started cooperative when Minister Emma Hardy appeared in September 2025, shifting sharply to critical after November local authority sessions revealed systemic funding collapse, community trauma, and coordination failure across government departments.

Key witnesses

Karen Thomas (East Suffolk Council), Rob Goodliffe (North Norfolk Council), Natasha Dix (Isle of Wight Council), Richard Jackson (East Riding of Yorkshire Council), Emma Hardy MP (Minister for Water and Coastal Defense), Environment Agency, Local Planning Authorities