The Environment Agency has warned that people will have to pay more towards flood defences in their area. Despite being funded by the taxpayer to the tune of 629m overall, only a small proportion of this amount is actually spent on coastal defences with the bulk of  funding directed towards fluvial flood prevention. Environment Agency Chief Executive Paul Leinster stated that whilst continuing Government investment was important to manage the risk of flooding, his agency  must now also look at alternative funding streams, including increased contributions from those who will benefit from future defence schemes.

The  Environment Agency has stated that communities at risk from flooding due to potential sea level rises (believed to be caused by climate change) will need to be protected and this  could  affect many coastal areas (see map).  It remains to be seen how the Environment Agency intends to  solve this situation.