The Environment Agency

Since 1st April 2008 the Environment Agency has ultimate responsibility for managing coastal flood and erosion risk in England. (In Wales, this responsibility lies with the Welsh Assembly Government.) 

Under this role the EA:

• Takes the lead in managing all sea flooding risk in England.

• Funds and oversees coastal erosion works undertaken by Local Authorities. (Currently The EA have delegation from Defra to approve studies, strategies and projects with whole life costs below £100m. Above £100m, it will need Defra and Treasury approval.)

• Ensures that proper and sustainable long-term Shoreline Management Plans are in place for the English coastline.

• Works with Local Authorities to ensure that the resulting flood and coastal erosion works are properly planned, prioritised, procured, delivered and maintained to get maximum value for taxpayers' money.

• Ensures that third party defences are sustainable.

The EA are tasked with using public money as effectively as possible to reduce the risk to coastal communities, property, infrastructure and the natural environment. Decisions on where to defend are based on risk assessment using a transparent, auditable and understandable process.

This process starts with developing preferred management options in a long-term, factors that are considered include: