07.10.19
Government provides more funds for local authority air quality action
The Government has today announced the latest round of funding, as part of the Air Quality Grant scheme, to help local authorities improve air quality across England.
Since it was established, the grant has awarded more than £61m to a variety of projects, benefitting schools, businesses and residents – reducing the impact on people’s health and creating cleaner and healthier environments.
Local authorities are being encouraged to lodge bids for a portion of at least £2m of central government support for a wide range of projects to improve the air we breathe. Previous successful applicants have been awarded funding to install electric vehicle charging points, improve cycling infrastructure and develop local online air quality resources.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “We know the impact air pollution has on public health, which is why we are continuing to provide funding to local authorities to help them to take action to improve air quality for the benefit of schools, businesses and residents.
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“This is part of the much wider strategy to tackle air quality.
“Local authorities are in the best position to address the issues they face around their roads, and we are looking forward to receiving ideas for innovative schemes to reduce emissions and encourage cleaner, more active transport.”
Minister for the future of transport, George Freeman said: “We know we need to step up the pace and clean up our air for everyone - from children on their way to school, to commuters travelling to work, and communities around the country.
“This vital funding will help councils to take forward exciting new technologies, improving air quality and making our communities cleaner, more vibrant places to live.”
Applications for the grant for 2019-20 are open from 4 October to 7 November 2019.