Applications open for £2m Air Quality Grant Scheme

Applications are now open for local councils to apply for the latest share of the Air Quality Grant Scheme. 

In an announcement made today (September 2), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said that local authorities can now bid for a portion of this £2m fund to improve local air pollution. 

The grant application process is competitive but will focus on projects that help schools, businesses, and communities to reduce the health impacts of air pollution.

Defra has said that projects focusing on particulate matter (PM2.5) will be particularly welcomed. 

The Air Quality Grant Scheme has so far awarded around £64.5m to a variety of projects to improve local air pollution. This fund is part of Defra’s larger Clean Air Strategy to reduce air pollution across the country. 

Environment minister Rebecca Pow 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 that 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.’

Transport minister Rachel Maclean added: ‘I’m delighted to see the launch of the next round of funding for councils in towns and cities across the country to help reduce transport emissions and improve air quality for our local communities.

‘From schools to local businesses and households, it’s vital that we support a diverse range of projects to create cleaner, greener and healthier places to live.’

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