MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet
Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Our national air
quality strategy, the Clean Air Plan for Wales:
Healthy Air, Healthy Wales, describes how the Welsh
Government is addressing air pollution challenges by working
collaboratively across Government departments, different sectors
and with the public.
Effective communication about air pollution to drive behavioural
change is key to protecting the health of current and future
generations, as well as the environment. The health effects of
air pollution have been extensively researched and are well
documented. Practical interventions to raise awareness of air
pollution sources and mitigating actions can help everyone to
reduce their exposure and contributions to air pollution.
The Environment (Air Quality & Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024
introduced new duties on Welsh Ministers to take steps to promote
awareness of the health and environmental risks caused by air
pollution and ways of reducing these. Today, I am publishing for
consultation a draft Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution
Delivery Plan which sets out the actions that we, and our
partners, will take to raise awareness of and tackle air
pollution.
We have co-produced the draft Plan with a dedicated Delivery
Group chaired by our Clean Air Champion for Wales, Professor Paul
Lewis. A range of experts are represented on the Delivery Group,
including local authorities, health boards, academia and
organisations working to reduce the impact of poor air on human
health. I am very grateful to all who have contributed to the
Plan's development.
As part of the Delivery Plan we intend to develop a
communications campaign to inform the public about the impacts of
domestic burning on health, the environment and the wider
community. Our focus will be on sharing clear, evidence-based
information to help people make informed choices.
We also propose to deliver a range of awareness activity around
stationary vehicle engine idling which is an offence that can
attract a fixed penalty fine. We know that the pollution from
this causes harm and is a particular concern outside schools and
health settings. So today I am also launching a consultation on
proposals to improve the way stationary engine idling is
addressed, including the introduction of a penalty range for the
existing offence.
To support our awareness raising and behaviour change activity we
have identified an annual budget of £575,000 over the three-year
lifespan of the Delivery Plan. Additional funding is also
available through existing grant schemes including our Local Air
Quality Management Support Fund, reinforcing our commitment to
tackling air pollution at every level.
Air quality improvements are a priority within our Clean Air
Strategy. By delivering targeted actions and working
collaboratively with local authorities, health professionals, and
communities, we can play a crucial role in creating a healthier
Wales for everyone.
Consultation on the draft
Delivery Plan, which will conclude 28 October, can be found
here.
The consultation on proposals
for stationary idling, which will conclude 30 September, can be
found here.
The responses that we receive to both consultations will help
shape the final version of the Delivery Plan and our wider policy
for air quality.
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members
informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or
to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be
happy to do so.
