The government has unlocked a further £6m in funding for a new round of Air Quality Grants, which will improve air quality in local communities.
Local authorities can now apply for a share of the funding to deliver projects to improve air quality in local communities.
The annual Air Quality Grants help councils develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health. Since 2010, more than £53m has been awarded across more than 500 projects through the scheme.
Funding will be prioritised towards projects which:
- Tackle particulate matter;
- Improve public awareness of the impacts of air pollution; and
- Help local authorities reduce nitrogen oxide (NO2) levels and other pollutants below legal limits.
The UK has made various commitments to improve air quality
The UK Government has taken several initiatives to improve air quality in local communities in recent decades.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels – the most harmful pollutant to human health – have fallen by 10%. Moreover, NO2 levels have fallen by 45% since 2010.
The government is committed to driving this down further and, through the Environment Act, has set two legally-binding targets to reduce the level of PM2.5 in our air by 2040.
Trudy Harrison, the UK’s Environment Minister, said: “Poor air quality is the biggest environmental risk to human health, and local authorities play a vital role in tackling it.
“This latest round of funding in the Air Quality Grants will support innovative projects across England that give communities the tools to limit their exposure and improve air quality in local communities.
“Together, this will build on the significant improvements in air quality delivered by the government at a national level and deliver cleaner air for all.”
How do Air Quality Grants benefit communities?
Previous initiatives funded through the Air Quality Grants scheme include delivering an air quality awareness programme to over 3,000 students in Cornwall.
The grant has also funded an e-cargo bike library, helping local businesses in Norfolk to cut operating costs while lowering their emissions, and helped train healthcare professionals in Southampton to advise vulnerable patients about improving air quality.
“Air pollution poses health risks, particularly for older people, children, and people with heart or lung conditions, which is why we’re committed to making our air cleaner,” explained UK Health Minister Neil O’Brien.
He added: “This year’s fund builds on the significant action we’re already taking to improve air quality. I urge local authorities across England to bid for funding to help improve people’s health in their areas.”
Air Quality Grants are committed to challenging councils to improve air quality more quickly, including by making better use of existing powers, increasing transparency and improving how they communicate with the public.
Today’s announcement is another key step forward in the delivery of these commitments.
The scheme complements the range of support the government is making available to local communities, including £883m allocated under the NO2 Programme – which works with local authorities to improve air quality measures and the health of residents.
