Defra launches £2m fund for local action on air quality

Defra has opened up a new round of £2 million in funding for local authorities to help with their air quality plans.

Local authorities across England can bid for a portion of the funding to support projects to improve air quality and create cleaner and healthier environments.

Applications for the grant open are now open and close at 12pm on October 14, 2020.

Since it was established, the Air Quality Grant scheme has awarded around £64.5m to a variety of projects to help reduce the impact of dirty air on people’s health.

Rebecca Pow, Environment Minister said: “Air pollution, and in particular PM2.5, carries enormous risks to human health which is why we are continuing to provide funding to local authorities to help them take action.

“This is part of delivering on the ambition in our world-leading Clean Air Strategy to halve the harm to human health from air pollution by 2030.

“We know local authorities are in the best position to address the issues they face in their areas and we look forward to receiving ideas for ways to reduce emissions and promote cleaner, greener alternatives.”

Funding applicants in previous years have been awarded investment to test indoor air quality and the effectiveness of filter systems in schools, develop clean air village projects joining up several London boroughs, and raise awareness around domestic burning and the dangers of using harmful fuels such as coal and wet wood.