Funding boost for local authorities to tackle air pollution

The latest round of Air Quality Grants for local authorities has opened to benefit communities and reduce the impact of polluted air on people's health.

The government’s Air Quality Grant helps councils develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of polluted air on people’s health.

At least £1 million of the £9 million available this year will be dedicated to projects to improve public awareness in local communities about the risks of air pollution.

The criteria for this year’s grant period will prioritise three areas: projects which reduce air pollutant exceedances, especially in those areas that are projected to remain in exceedance of the UK’s legal targets; projects that will improve knowledge and information about air quality and steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution; and projects that include measures to deal with particulate matter, which is the pollutant most harmful to human health.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Air quality has improved significantly since 2010 but still poses enormous health risks, which is why we are boosting our funding to local authorities to help them take action. This is part of the government’s wider strategy to tackle air quality. Our landmark Environment Bill places a duty on us to set at least two air quality targets by October 2022, including an ambitious, legally-binding target to reduce fine particulate matter – the most damaging pollutant to human health.

“We know local authorities are best placed to address the issues they face in their areas. We look forward to receiving innovative ideas for ways to reduce emissions, help communities understand how they can limit their exposure to air pollution, and promote cleaner, greener alternatives.”

Applications for the grant close on Friday 8 October.