Funding announced for local action on air quality in England

The British Government has announced the latest round of funding for local projects to improve air quality across England. 

Since it was established, the Air Quality Grant scheme has awarded around £64.5 million to a variety of projects benefiting schools, businesses and communities, and reducing the impact of dirty air on people’s health.

Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: “Air pollution, and in particular PM2.5, carries enormous risks to human health which is why we are continuing to provide funding to local authorities to help them take action. This is part of delivering on the ambition in our world-leading Clean Air Strategy to halve the harm to human health from air pollution by 2030.

“We know that local authorities are in the best position to address the issues they face in their areas and we look forward to receiving ideas for ways to reduce emissions and promote cleaner, greener alternatives.”

Transport Minister, Rachel Maclean, added: “I’m delighted to see the launch of the next round of funding for councils in towns and cities across the country to help reduce transport emissions and improve air quality for our local communities.

“From schools, to local businesses and households, it’s vital that we support a diverse range of projects to create cleaner, greener and healthier places to live.”

This fund aims to contribute towards meeting the objectives of Defra’s 2019 Clean Air Strategy, which has been praised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “an example for the rest of the world to follow”.

It is also said to complement the wider UK plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations, which includes a £3.5 billion investment into air quality and cleaner transport. The plan is supporting the uptake of low emissions vehicles, getting more people to cycle and walk, and encouraging cleaner public transport.

Applications for the grant open from 2 September and close at 12pm on 14 October 2020.