Consultations launched to help councils tackle air pollution

The government has launched two consultations on proposals to make it easier for local authorities to tackle poor air quality in their areas.

Following the recent announcement of £11.6 million for local authorities to deliver projects to improve air quality and the recent launch of a consultation on targets under the Environment Act, the first consultation seeks views on increased engagement between local authorities and the communities that they serve, and an increased focus on the impact of air quality on people’s health.

The consultation will also look at the stronger requirements introduced in the Environment Act 2021 for other organisations to collaborate with local authorities in delivering Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs).

Local authorities have a legal obligation to monitor, assess and act to improve local air quality if the objectives in their action plans are not met.

The Act also gives the Environment Secretary the power to designate, subject to consultation, ‘relevant public authorities’ who must play a role in improving local air quality. The second consultation proposes to designate National Highways in order to ensure more consistent collaboration with local authorities to reduce road pollution.

Environment Minister Jo Churchill said: “Air quality is our priority, and these consultations will build on a swathe of other actions that we are already taking to help local authorities clean up our air. We all want to see improved air quality in every part of our country, helping health outcomes and reducing health inequalities between and within communities. Coupled with recent funding announcements and our consultation on air quality targets under the Environment Act, we will drive forward long-lasting change to the air we breathe.”