Our Coastline is Vanishing — It’s Time for a Fair Deal for the East Riding Coastline.

​The East Riding and North Norfolk share a devastating reality: we are living on the fastest eroding coastline in North West Europe. While our cliffs crumble and homes edge closer to the brink, the response from central government has far too often been "too little, too late."

​If the streets of London were sliding into the Thames, the Treasury would have moved heaven and earth years ago. Why are our coastal communities in the North and East treated like an afterthought?

​The New Funding: A Start, Not a Solution
​We welcome the news that the East Riding is set to benefit from a share of a new £30 million Environment Agency investment aimed at battling eroding shores. Under the new Coastal Adaptation Pilots starting this April, our region—alongside Norfolk and Suffolk—will receive a portion of £18 million to trial "innovative approaches" to coastal transition.

​However, the Liberal Democrats believe this is just a drop in the ocean. While the government talks about "adapting" to the loss of homes, we believe residents deserve real security.

​The Plan for a "CoastRe" Scheme
​For those at risk of flooding, the FloodRe insurance scheme provides a vital safety net. But if your home is at risk of falling into the sea, you are often left stranded by insurers and the state alike.

​The Liberal Democrats are calling for a CoastRe scheme, a dedicated insurance and support framework, modeled on FloodRe, to provide financial security for those whose homes are literally disappearing.

​A United Front Across the North Sea
​Our Liberal Democrat colleague in Norfolk, Steffan Aquarone MP, has been leading this charge, highlighting the shared struggle between our two regions. Speaking on the need for urgent action, he said:

​"If we were in London and the city was falling into the Thames, there would be no question about the level of investment. Because we’re at the end of the line, we’re often forgotten. We need a 'CoastRe' scheme, similar to 'FloodRe', to provide insurance and support for those at risk." — Steffan Aquarone MP

Local Voices: "People Before Pilots"
​Here in the East Riding, Liberal Democrat councillors are clear: we need more than just research, we need results. The new funding requires a 10% local contribution, effectively placing a "cliff-edge tax" on our local council services.

​East Riding Liberal Democrat understand the frustration felt by many in our coastal villages.

​"While any investment is welcome, our residents are tired of being 'pilot projects.' They need the same certainty that homeowners inland enjoy. We cannot continue to watch our coastline vanish while the government offers pennies for adaptation instead of pounds for protection and fair compensation. It’s time for a Fair Deal for the East Riding." Cllr Mike Heslop-Mullens.

​Why This Matters for East Riding
​​From Skipsea and Hornsea down to Withernsea, our residents are watching their heritage and livelihoods wash away. We don't just need "evidence building"; we need a funded, long-term strategy that treats coastal erosion with the same urgency as any other national emergency.

​The Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for the investment our coast deserves.

​Our coast is worth fighting for.

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