Funding announced to improve air quality in local communities

The government has announced £6 million from the new round of Air Quality Grants to improve air quality in local communities.

Local authorities are invited to bid for the funding, which is intended to help councils to develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health.

Funding will be prioritised for projects which tackle particulate matter; improve public awareness of the impacts of air pollution; and help local authorities to bring down levels of nitrogen oxide (NO2) and other pollutants to below legal limits.

Previous projects to receive funding include delivering an air quality awareness programme to over 3,000 students in Cornwall; an e-cargo bike library, which helped local businesses in Norfolk to cut operating costs while lowering their emissions; and training for healthcare professionals in Southampton so they can advise vulnerable patients about how to reduce their exposure to air pollution.

Environment minister Trudy Harrison said: "Poor air quality is the biggest environmental risk to human health and local authorities play a vital role in tackling it.

"This latest round of funding will support innovative projects across England that give communities the tools to limit their exposure and reduce pollution.

"Together, this will build on the significant improvements in air quality delivered by the government at a national level and deliver cleaner air for all."

Image by Naveen Annam from Pixabay