DEFRA has overall policy responsibility for flood risk management in England, funds most of the Environment Agency's flood related work, and grant aids individual capital improvement projects undertaken by local authorities and internal drainage boards (IDBs). The programme to manage risk is driven by these operating authorities. DEFRA does not carry out works or studies, nor direct the authorities on which specific projects to undertake.
East Riding of Yorkshire council is the operating authority for this stretch of coast and has carried out annual monitoring of the Easington coast with DEFRA grant aid since 1997. Strategic studies for Bridlington and Withernsea were approved in 1999. In 2002, it carried out Holderness coastline beach management and monitoring which has continued until this year. An application for £111,000 of grant aid is being considered for DEFRA approval to continue funding the strategic monitoring of the coastline into 2007-08.
The East Riding of Yorkshire council is leading, with a contribution from the Environment Agency, the development of a shoreline management plan for Flamborough Head to Gibraltar Point. An application for grant aid of £270,000 is also currently being considered by DEFRA.