The government has announced £6 million from the new round of Air Quality Grants to improve air quality in local communities.

Local authorities are invited to bid for the funding, which is intended to help councils to develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health.

Funding will be prioritised for 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.

Previous projects to receive funding include delivering an air quality awareness programme to over 3,000 students in Cornwall; an e-cargo bike library, which helped local businesses in Norfolk to cut operating costs while lowering their emissions; and training for healthcare professionals in Southampton so they can advise vulnerable patients about how to reduce their exposure to air pollution.

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."

Environment minister Trudy Harrison said: "Poor air quality is the biggest environmental risk to human health and local authorities play a vital role in tackling it.

"This latest round of funding will support innovative projects across England that give communities the tools to limit their exposure and reduce pollution.

"Together, this will build on the significant improvements in air quality delivered by the government at a national level and deliver cleaner air for all."

Image by EB Pilgrim from Pixabay