£2.2 million boost for councils to tackle air pollution

Local authorities across the country have been granted more than £2.2 million in government funding to deliver innovative projects to improve air quality.

Forming part of the government’s Air Quality grant, the investment will support schemes which help councils develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and residents, reducing the impact on people’s health and creating cleaner and healthier environments.

Proposals receiving funding include projects and campaigns to: reduce harmful emissions outside schools; encourage the take up of electric taxis; encourage more active transport through education, awareness, and the creation and improvement of cycling and pedestrian routes; and collect further data on the exposure to air pollution by vulnerable groups in order to better design future policies.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “While air pollution has reduced significantly in recent decades, we know the impact that it continues to have on communities in the UK. That is why the government is committed to not only improving air quality on a national level, but also helping local authorities take action in their own areas. The projects supported by this latest round of funding demonstrate how local authorities can deliver innovative solutions for their communities, and we’ll be working with them closely to offer ongoing support.”

More than £64 million has been awarded through the Air Quality Grant since it was launched in 1997.