The government has announced the latest round of funding
for local projects to improve air quality across England.
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 Air Quality Grant scheme has
awarded around £64.5 million to a variety of projects
benefitting schools, businesses and communities, and
reducing the impact of dirty air on people’s health.
These projects have contributed to the significant
improvement in air quality seen in the UK in recent
decades. Levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) –
particles or liquid droplets in the air which present the
greatest risk to public health – have reduced by 9% since
2010, and levels of nitrogen dioxide from vehicles are now
at their lowest levels since records began.
Environment Minister 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.”
Transport Minister said:
“I’m delighted to see the launch of the next round of
funding for councils in towns and cities across the country
to help reduce transport emissions and improve air quality
for our local communities.
“From schools, to local businesses and households, it’s
vital that we support a diverse range of projects to create
cleaner, greener and healthier places to live.”
The grant application process is competitive, with projects
to tackle PM2.5 particularly welcomed by Defra. The best
projects will also develop long-term solutions to increase
awareness and encourage behaviour change.
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.
Applications for the grant open from 2 September and close
at 12pm on 14 October 2020.
This fund will contribute towards meeting the objectives of
Defra’s 2019 Clean Air Strategy, the most ambitious air
quality strategy in a generation, which has been praised by
the World Health Organisation as “an example for the rest
of the world to follow”.
It also complements the wider UK plan for tackling roadside
nitrogen dioxide concentrations, which includes a £3.5
billion investment into air quality and cleaner transport.
The plan is supporting the uptake of low emissions
vehicles, getting more people to cycle and walk, and
encouraging cleaner public transport.
Local Authorities in England are invited to apply via
Bravo. Further details on how to apply are available on the
Air Quality Grants
GOV.UK page.
