Latest round of air quality funding announced

The government has announced the latest round of funding through the Air Quality Grant scheme to help local authorities improve air quality.

Local authorities are encouraged to bid for a portion of at least £2 million to support for a wide range of projects to improve the air quality, such as installing electric vehicle charging points, improving cycling infrastructure and developing 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. 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."

Applications for the grant for 2019-20 are open from 4 October to 7 November 2019.

The Air Quality Grant forms part of 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.