Decision details

The National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes, and the Southeast Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme are internationally recognised exemplar monitoring programmes, which directly underpin national and regional Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management in England.

Established in 2002, the continuation of the programme is essential for coastal risk management, which requires consistent, high quality and long-term data sets.

NFDC led on the development of the programme, and have acted as lead coordinators for the Southeast, and National programmes since their inception. There is continued support at the regional and national levels for NFDC to continue this role.

The programme is funded 100% through Defra Grant in Aid, and the financial risk to NFDC is low. However, the material and reputational benefits of leading such a programme are significant.

A recommendation is proposed that NFDC continue to act as the lead coordinating authority for the Southeast Regional and National programmes.

On Wednesday 7 May 2025, Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability made the following decision:

1. That NFDC continue to act as the Lead Coordinating Authority for the Southeast Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme;

2.That the Portfolio Holder approve the continued integration of the Southeast Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme into the National Network of Regional Monitoring Programmes;

3.That NFDC continue to act as the Lead Coordinating Authority in the development and management of Phase IV of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes; and

4.That NFDC continue to act as the Lead Authority in the application to the Environment Agency for funding of Phase IV of the National Network of Regional Coastal Monitoring Programmes.

Any member of the Council, who is not a Portfolio Holder, who considers that this decision should be reviewed should give notice using the call-in facility at the top of this page on the Council’s intranet / extranet site. Alternatively, notice can be given to the Monitoring Officer (Tanya Coulter) (in writing or by e-mail) to be received ON OR BY 5.15 pm on 14 May 2025.

Details of the document the Portfolio Holder considered are attached below.

The recommendations support all three themes of the corporate plan. Serving as a foundation to Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management, the continuation of the Coastal Monitoring Programmes supports People, by ensure communities are resilient to future coastal change and sea level rise; Place, by providing a better understanding of future change, and underpinning the protection of our unique coastline; and Prosperity, providing both direct employment opportunities and skills training, and ensuring there is confidence in investment in our coastal communities.

As a Risk Management Authority, NFDC must act in accordance with the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, in a manner consistent with the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy for England.

As a coastal protection authority, NFDC are responsible for developing Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs) and lead on coastal erosion risk management activities. Both of these require an evidence base of coastal risk and change, provided by the Coastal Monitoring Programmes.

There is no direct cost to NFDC, as the programme is funded through Environment Agency Grant in Aid. However, the additional benefits to the council in terms of skills, services and reputation are significant.

See report.