The LGA Coastal SIG champions the collective interests of coastal, estuarine and maritime communities by increasing awareness and debate on environmental, economic and social issues at all levels in relation to the coast.
The Lead Authority for the LGA Coastal SIG is South Tyneside Council, who has held this position since September 2019 and the group is formed of 59 member councils, covering over 60% of the English coastline and representing 16 million people.
‘Provide a collective voice for coastal Local Authorities to frame a pathway for sustainable, resilient and thriving coastal communities’.
Our Mission
The LGA Coastal SIG champions, the collective interests of coastal, estuarine and maritime communities by increasing awareness and debate on environmental, economic and social issues at all levels in relation to the coast’.
Leadership
Chair
Cllr Ernest Gibson
“I’m proud to be a voice not only for South Tyneside but for all of England’s incredible coast. The LGA Coastal SIG leads the way, bringing key issues to the attention of those that can make real change.”
Elected onto South Tyneside Council in 1999 where Cllr Gibson is the Lead Member of Cabinet for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change and sits on a number of outside organisations including the Northumbria Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. Cllr Gibson proposed the #Motion4TheOcean for South Tyneside Council that was passed unanimously with cross-party support.
Vice Chair
Cllr Derek Bastiman
“I have learnt much more by being a member of the SIG and it has allowed me to share my knowledge and experience”
Cllr. Derek Bastiman was elected onto Scarborough Borough Council in 1995 and has always played a part in addressing Sea and Coastal defence problems, be that in major rock armour protection schemes or Land stability remedial works. He sits on various outside bodies including, Local Government Flood Forum, Safe Use of the Water Forum, RNLI Local Ambassador.
Secretariat
Beccy MacDonald-Lofts, Lead Officer
“Supporting coastal communities, with their unique perspective between the land and sea, is the best reason to get up in the morning!”
As an experienced marine biologist with a specialism in conservation and education, Beccy has dedicated her career on connecting people and the coastal environment to the benefit of all, bringing a valuable perspective to the work of the SIG.
Bethany Handson, Project Officer
‘”The opportunity to play a part in bringing about meaningful change and progression for the coast nationally is something I am extremely proud of. “
Bethany has worked for South Tyneside Council since November 2019, working closely with Elected Members. Living near the coast for her whole life has given her a keen interest in coastal issues and useful insight into the life of those living on the coast and the wider remit of the SIG.
Our priority work-themes:
Coastal Adaptation* inc Coastal Change Management Areas (CCMAs) and Flooding and Coastal Erosion Risk Management
“Our coastal areas and coastal communities are at front line of climate change and often face a unique set of problems. However, they are also important drivers of community wealth building, nature restoration and carbon capture. I was delighted to find there’s a group for councils in these are to share experiences and have a collective voice.”
Cllr Emily O’Brien, Cabinet member for climate, nature and food systems, Lewes District Council, joined in 2023
“I really value being part of the LGA coastal SIG. The quarterly meetings are very informative, and it is brilliant to be able to take some of this knowledge and learning back to your own local authority. The working groups allow detailed focus on similar issues facing your local authority. The mix of officers and elected members, passionate about the same issues, really works in formulating workplans and raising issues collectively with government. I feel fortunate to have access to this group and would encourage those who are not members to look at the recent work of the SIG and consider joining. You won’t be disappointed!”
Michelle Hogg, Operations Manager, Environmental Protection and Projects, South Tyneside Council
“Our membership of the Special Interest Group (SIG) provides an invaluable mechanism to ensure the important work of the IFCAs is understood and embedded within the wide range of coastal services that local authorities deliver. Through our membership of the SIG we are kept up to date with current issues, best practice and trends affecting the local authorities and in so doing we are better able to reflect the needs of the local communities which are served by the diverse activities delivered by local authorities.”
Rob Clark (Association of Inshore Fisheries Conservation Agencies)
Become a member
From £1.37 per day, all Associate and Full members of the Local Government Association can join the LGA Coastal SIG and benefit from the support and opportunities that this influential group has to offer. Ready to join the Coastal SIG? Click on the button below to be taken to our subscription form:
The LGA Coastal SIG are proud to support this model motion for an Ocean Recovery Declaration that will help all local authorities to #thinkocean in a way that can integrate with current responses to the climate emergency and levelling up agenda.
28 councils and the Local Government Association have made an Ocean Recovery Declaration using the model #motion4theocean, including our lead authority South Tyneside Council. We encourage our members to adapt this model motion to suit the needs of the communities they serve.
The latest bathing water quality results are in—and while many sites remain safe for swimmers, the findings highlight persistent challenges that demand urgent attention. These results echo the warnings and recommendations made at the LGA Coastal SIG’s Coastal Water Quality Summit earlier this year, where councils, regulators, and non-governmental organisations united to collaboratively consider and drive change…
The LGA Coastal SIG are the voice for coastal local authorities and work closely with Government to deliver for our unique communities. As we work together to finalise our proactive asks for the new government, our Chair Cllr Ernest Gibson, is grateful to receive the letter below from Michael Gove as recognition for our hard…
