Councils invited to bid for £6m air quality grant

Local authorities across England can now apply for a share of £6 million in the latest round of air quality grants which deliver projects to improve air quality.

The annual Air Quality Grant helps councils develop and implement measures that reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health. Since 2010, more than £53 million has been awarded across more than 500 projects through the scheme.

Funding will be prioritised towards 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.

Through the Environment Act, the government has set two legally-binding targets to reduce the level of PM2.5 in our air by 2040.

Health Minister Neil O’Brien said: "Air pollution poses health risks, particularly for older people, children, and people with heart or lung conditions which is why we’re committed to making our air cleaner.

"This year’s fund builds on the significant action we’re already taking to improve air quality, and I urge local authorities across England to bid for funding to help improve the health of people living in their areas."

Applications close on 29th September.