New Initiatives Announced to Enhance Local Government Efforts in Air Quality Management

A new consultation aimed at achieving cleaner air in urban and rural regions across England has been launched today (11 April).

The Government is looking for feedback on a revised Air Quality Strategy, detailing how councils in England can more effectively leverage their existing powers and responsibilities to enhance air quality.

The draft strategy encompasses:

• Identifying actions that councils can take to enhance air quality
• Specifying measures for councils to lower emissions of fine particulate matter, the most harmful pollutant to health
• Establishing a framework to empower local authorities to utilize their powers effectively in service of their communities

After the consultation, a final strategy will be released, providing a framework to foster local actions aimed at improving air quality in collaboration with local communities. This will facilitate progress towards achieving the government’s legally-binding targets for all primary air pollutants, including those recently established under the Environment Act for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

The final strategy will complement various support initiatives from the government to local authorities, including £883 million designated under the Nitrogen Dioxide Programme and annual funding through Defra’s local Air Quality Grant scheme to develop and implement measures that aid schools, businesses, and communities, while reducing the adverse effects of polluted air on public health.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow stated:

Local authorities have a crucial role in enhancing air quality through action in communities nationwide, and they ought to consider the input of residents and businesses to find optimal local solutions.

This strategy builds on significant achievements in reducing air pollution at the national level since 2010, empowering councils to make more substantial improvements in air quality for their residents.

I urge all local authorities to respond, so we can collectively ensure cleaner air for today and the future.

The government is committed to decisive action for air quality improvement. Our five-year strategy, released in January, outlines interim targets for reducing concentrations of and public exposure to PM2.5 by January 2028, alongside a variety of policies aimed at meeting these targets. This effort builds upon the progress made since 2010, with an 18% decrease in fine particulate matter [PM2.5] emissions and nitrogen oxides at their lowest levels on record.

The Plan also pledged to assist councils in expediting air quality improvements through assessing their performance and use of existing powers, while providing clear guidance, funding, and tools. The consultation launched today (link) signifies a major advancement in fulfilling these commitments.

The strategy builds on existing net zero initiatives implemented by the government, including our National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP), which outlines how the UK can fulfill its legally binding emission reduction commitments for 2020 and 2030, and the 2019 Clean Air Strategy, detailing the comprehensive actions needed across all government sectors and society to enhance air quality.

You can participate in the consultation by clicking here.