Thursday 10 March 2022

Government sets aside £11.6m to tackle air pollution

The government has announced £11.6 million in funding for local authorities to tackle air pollution.

Part of the ‘Air Quality Grant’, the funding will be used to by councils to improve the health of those in schools, businesses and throughout local communities.

This year’s funding more than doubles the amount provided through the grant in 2021, with a total of £42 million having been awarded since 2010.

Climate Adaptation Minister, Jo Churchill, said: “Air pollution is the single biggest environmental risk to public health.

“It has reduced significantly since 2010 but we know there is more to do, which is why we have doubled the amount of funding awarded this year to help local authorities take vital action.

“The projects supported by this latest round of funding include innovative local schemes to boost the use of green transport, increased monitoring of fine particulate matter – the most harmful pollutant to human health – and improved awareness of the risks of poor air quality around schools and in care homes.”