£7.9m coastline monitoring scheme moves forward despite funding uncertainty
The procurement of services for a £7.9m coastal monitoring programme will begin before government funding has been approved, amid concerns that delays could result in the loss of vital erosion and flooding data.
North Yorkshire Council is seeking support from the Environment Agency to continue leading the North East Regional Coastal Monitoring Programme until 2033.
Council officers have warned that postponing the procurement process could jeopardise the collection of key coastal datasets used to monitor erosion, flooding and the condition of sea defences.
A report prepared for councillors states that, although the procurement remains subject to full funding approval, it would be “impractical to consider alternative or delayed procurement” because coastal monitoring data must be gathered on a continuous basis.
The programme covers almost 300km of coastline stretching from Flamborough Head in East Yorkshire to St Abb’s Head in the Scottish Borders.
Data collected through the scheme is used by local authorities and other risk management bodies to assess coastal change, understand flood and erosion risks and plan future investment in coastal protection.
According to the report, coastal monitoring is identified as a high-priority activity by the Environment Agency and is required under the adopted Shoreline Management Plan.
Officers noted that the five other regional coastal monitoring programmes covering the rest of England are already procuring services for the 2027 to 2033 period.
The report states: “It is important to have key coastal monitoring services procured and ready to start capturing in the spring and early summer of 2027.”
The programme supports authorities including Northumberland County Council, North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council, Durham County Council, Sunderland City Council, Hartlepool Borough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Councillors are expected to approve the procurement plans at a meeting on October 20.