Clean air consultation launches

The government has launched a consultation on a revised Air Quality Strategy.

The Strategy outlines how councils in England should use their existing powers and responsibilities more effectively to deliver improvements to air quality.

The draft strategy includes outlining the actions councils can undertake to improve air quality; setting out actions for councils to reduce emissions of fine particulate matter, the pollutant most damaging to health; and providing a framework to enable local authorities to make the best use of their powers and deliver for their communities.

A final strategy will be published, after the consultation, which will provide a framework to support local action to improve air quality, in consultation with local communities.
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: "By taking action in communities across the country, local authorities have a pivotal role to play in improving air quality, and they should listen to local residents and local businesses to find solutions that work best for their local area.

"Building on the great strides made in tackling air pollution at a national level since 2010, this strategy will help councils to go further and faster to improve air quality for the benefit of their residents.

"I encourage all local authorities to respond so together, we can deliver cleaner air - now and for the future."

However, others have criticised the announcement. UK100's Interim Chief Executive, Jason Torrance, said: "After waiting so long for the strategy, it is incredible that the Government is giving local authorities, the public and other stakeholders just ten days to respond. Action on one of the greatest environmental and public health threats of our time is urgent, but it needs to be taken with public consent and in collaboration with local leaders to be credible and effective.”

Jason continues: “It’s unacceptable that local leaders have been left gasping for breath as they try to respond to a strategy conferring huge new responsibilities on local authorities during a pre-election period that restricts how they can respond.

“The first thing Ministers must do is extend the consultation period — and do so beyond the local elections."

Image by Gianni Crestani from Pixabay