The pledge was made at the Royal British Legion’s campaign website www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk

 Graham said: “I am delighted to be able to support the Royal British Legion. It has an important role to play in highlighting the needs [...]]]>  Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart, has signed a pledge to do his bit for the British armed forces family.

 The pledge was made at the Royal British Legion’s campaign website www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk

 Graham said: “I am delighted to be able to support the Royal British Legion. It has an important role to play in highlighting the needs of all the British armed forces family.

 “While I have already pledged to do my bit I would encourage others to visit the website, or call the Royal British Legion on 01304 205 900, and make their own pledge.”

 Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s head of public affairs, said: “We are really grateful to Graham for his support. The entire armed forces family needs the help and support of politicians from all parties, and our manifesto outlines practical ways the next Government can help.”

A pilot scheme will see the council buying homes which, it is feared, will disappear as a result of coastal erosion over the next 15 years and then lease [...]]]> MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart, today welcomed news the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) will buy homes at risk of falling into the sea.

A pilot scheme will see the council buying homes which, it is feared, will disappear as a result of coastal erosion over the next 15 years and then lease them back to their owners.

Graham said: “This is probably the best, and fairest, solution to the problems being faced by people whose homes are the closest to the cliff edge.

“I understand the Government’s reluctance simply to give compensation to homeowners – they knew when they bought their houses that the coast was eroding. This will, however, relieve the worry of those affected and allow residents both the time and the cash to make plans for their futures.”

Money to pay for the project is coming from a £1.2 million Government Pathfinder scheme following years of lobbying by Graham and leading members of East Riding Council.

The money will also be used to help those forced to move out of their homes with rent on temporary accommodation for six months.

Graham added: “The Council finds itself, almost literally, between the devil and the deep blue sea with this issue.

“This is the first Pathfinder money which will be used to help coastal dwellers try and adapt to the ever changing cliff line. I am sure the plan will be refined and perfected in the years ahead.

“We all know the Holderness coastline is dynamic and fast changing, as it always has been, but this is a positive step to tell people who will lose their home that they aren’t on their own and that creative ways will be found to support them.”

It is estimated there are currently around 30 properties along the coast at risk of being lost to coastal erosion in the next 20 years.

The buy-back project is due to be discussed at the Council’s cabinet later today (Tuesday Feb 02, 2010).

 The consultation looks at how coastal communities can successfully adapt to the impact of coastal change over the next few decades. One of the main issues the [...]]]> Beverley and Holderness MP, Graham Stuart, has urged as many Holderness residents as possible to respond to a new Government consultation on coastal change policy.

 The consultation looks at how coastal communities can successfully adapt to the impact of coastal change over the next few decades. One of the main issues the Government is keen to look at is the level of assistance afforded to homeowners who are affected by coastal erosion. For example, the consultation asks the following: 

• Do you agree that it is appropriate for Government to make available public funds to local authorities to cover demolition costs for which private homeowners are currently liable?
• Is the homeowner assistance package set at the right level to strike the balance between individuals taking responsibility for their investment decisions, and ensuring that local authorities are able to provide practical assistance to homeowners who lose their home as a result of erosion? If not how could this be done?
• How should the payment mechanism for the demolition and moving assistance grant work? What evidence should be provided to Defra to support a claim for demolition and moving costs? 

Views are being sought for other ideas on adapting to the effects of coastal change, including: 

• How local businesses should be supported
• Adaptation options for important heritage sites on our coastline
• How to plan for changes to roads and other key infrastructure

 The consultation also provides details of a new coastal change pathfinder programme which the Government is intending to establish. Bids are to be invited from coastal local authorities interested in becoming coastal change pathfinders. Pathfinders would be able to explore some of the ideas and approaches set out in the consultation.

 Graham said: “The Government should be congratulated for finally getting to grips with this issue. Greg Knight MP and Councillors Jonathan Owen and Jane Evison and I have met repeatedly with Ministers to urge them to do more to protect the interests of those who lose their homes and businesses because of coastal erosion.

 “At the moment someone who loses their house has to pay the cost of its demolition. This adds insult to injury and can’t be justified. So I am pleased that the Government seems to have accepted our arguments and Ministers have been so willing to listen.

 “However, they need to go further than this. We need adequate compensation for the loss of a home if it has previously been defended and is no longer being defended as a result of a change in Government policy.”

 The consultation can be viewed by logging onto www.defra.gov.uk