Coastal erosion: Motion on Notice from Great Yarmouth Borough Council members

''This winter has seen an unprecedented loss of property up and down our coastline, with District and Borough Councils left to try and support residents as best they can with the loss of the homes and property as a result.

''At Hemsby, high tides and high winds meant ten metres of cliff were lost overnight, not as the result of a storm, but the normal tidal process. This loss has meant that 18 properties became critically close to the cliff edge, many of which would have been considered as being on the anticipated erosion line for 2055.

''These are people's homes, where they have often invested every penny they have into a property which now faces imminent demolition. The funding available for sea defences is woefully inadequate given the number of properties affected by coastal erosion and rising sea levels. The immediate number of properties affected is around 9,000, with this figure being significantly higher by 2050 should the current shoreline plan not be implemented.

''We therefore urgently call on the Government to provide a scheme of insurance, similar to that provided by Flood-Re, where properties at risk of coastal erosion could be insured for their loss and the real cost of demolition.

''Finally, a national adaptation strategy for communities affected by Coastal Erosion that enables local councils to support their communities to adapt to coastal change in a managed way, not through pilot schemes but through a formal process that is clearly structured for residents to understand.

''Without these changes, our residents will suffer immeasurably from the stress and emotional and financial burdens of coastal change. Council therefore asks that the Leader writes to the Environment Secretary, the Environment Agency, and the Prime Minister, requesting that the above proposals are taken forward and implemented.''