Councils invited to bid for new round of Air Quality Grants

Bidding for the news round of Air Quality Grant is now open, which helps councils to develop and implement measures to reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health.

Local authorities across the country can bid for a portion of the fund for a wide range of projects to improve air quality and create cleaner and healthier environments.

The criteria for this year’s grant period will prioritise three areas: firstly projects that reduce air pollution where there are nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceedances; then projects focusing on improving public knowledge and information about air quality, including steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution; and finally projects that include measures to deal with particulate matter, which is the pollutant most harmful to human health.

Since it was established, projects in the Air Quality Grant scheme have contributed to the significant improvement in air quality seen in the UK in recent decades. Since 2010, 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 11% while emissions of nitrogen oxides have fallen by 32% and are at their lowest level since records began.

Applications for the grant open from Tuesday 26 July and close on Friday 23 September.