Spending cuts threat to east coast sea defences

The future of the east coast's fragile coastline could be decided in the next few weeks as ministers grapple with spending cuts.

The 89,000 homes on the tidal flood plain in the eastern region are currently protected by coastal flood defences which this year will cost £12m. Next year, the Environment Agency says it will need £16m.

The sum it gets will be decided in this year's Spending Review but Environment Secretary Owen Paterson has said the country cannot afford to cut the flood defences budget.

Ian Barmer reports from Norfolk and Essex.