£2 million fund for local action on air quality

The government has announced the latest round of funding for local projects to improve air quality across England.

Under the Air Quality Grant scheme, local authorities can bid for a portion of at least £2 million for a wide range of projects to improve air quality and create cleaner and healthier environments.

Since it was established, the scheme has awarded approximately £64.5 million to a variety of projects benefitting schools, businesses and communities, and reducing the impact of dirty air on people’s health.

Applicants in previous years have been awarded funding to test indoor air quality and the effectiveness of filter systems in schools, develop clean air village projects joining up several London boroughs, and raise awareness around domestic burning and the dangers of using harmful fuels such as coal and wet wood.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Air pollution, and in particular PM2.5, carries enormous risks to human health which is why we are continuing to provide funding to local authorities to help them take action. This is part of delivering on the ambition in our world-leading Clean Air Strategy to halve the harm to human health from air pollution by 2030.

“We know that local authorities are in the best position to address the issues they face in their areas and we look forward to receiving ideas for ways to reduce emissions and promote cleaner, greener alternatives.”

Applications for the grant open from 2 September and close on 14 October 2020.