I support the Government’s commitment to tackling air pollution, a cause of asthma and respiratory conditions.  Through the Environment Act 2021, the Government is continuing to improve air quality with a target to have an annual mean concentration target for PM2.5 levels at 10 µg per m3 or below by 2040, as well as a target to reduce population exposure to PM2.5 by 35 per cent by 2040 (compared to 2018).

Local authorities are required to keep air pollution within legal limits and Ministers expect them to take action. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will challenge local authorities to improve air quality more quickly by assessing their performance and use of existing powers, while supporting them with clear guidance, funding, and tools. The Government will also facilitate the rollout of further Clean Air Zones by local councils in areas which are in breach of air quality statutory limits, with further zones and other non-clean air zone measures as required.