Empowering local stakeholders in coastal flood risk management in England

Abstract

We do not know the full extent to which coastal flood risk management (FRM) through insurance, planning and engineering collectively manages coastal flood risk at a sub-national level in England. This paper analyses the barriers to and opportunities for integrating policy approaches to FRM locally in England.

Interviews with stakeholders including local authorities, interest groups, and engineers in two regions with different levels of risk were undertaken in 2018 (n = 45) questioning the costs, timing, power, responsibility, acceptability, equity, and effectiveness of FRM. Responses were coded and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results showed both regions face barriers to (a) set, fund and sustain long-term plans, and (b) coordinate these plans across and within authorities, particularly with respect to a long-term vision and funding mechanisms. This includes the involvement of businesses, or allowing for engagement of and choice for communities in adapting to flood risk.

Many respondents suggested “communities” should be more aware and involved in FRM, but there was less unanimity on the aim, responsibility, means, and funding of engaging communities. There may be significant opportunity to further empower local stakeholders to do this, such as through clarification on what responsibility private individuals should have in coastal FRM and who should be engaging the public.

These results suggest the need for further visioning and resourcing of integrated FRM and creating opportunities to empower communities in taking responsibility for FRM. These findings on managing coastal flood risk in England may also provide insights into empowering communities in Australia to increase disaster resilience.

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ORCID for Sien Van Der Plank: orcid.org/0000-0001-6650-4111

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