Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Fifth report - Air Quality and coronavirus: a glimpse of a different future or business as usual
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 468
Published 11 February 2021
Government response
Seventh Special Report - Air Quality and Coronavirus: A Glimpse of a Different Future or Business as Usual: Government Response to the Committee’s Fifth Report · published 24 Apr 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 18
Before the pandemic, the UK had made limited progress in improving air quality, with less...
Conclusion
Before the pandemic, the UK had made limited progress in improving air quality, with less than a quarter of air quality assessment areas meeting the annual mean limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Lockdown restrictions from March 2020 led to less …
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Government Response Summary
The government reiterates its commitment to improving air quality through existing legally binding limits and new targets under the Environment Bill, which will be enforceable by the Office for Environmental Protection against all public bodies.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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2
Recommendation
Not Addressed
The noticeable improvement many people had in their experience of air quality and their wellbeing...
Recommendation
The noticeable improvement many people had in their experience of air quality and their wellbeing following the initial lockdown illustrates the benefits of action to tackle air quality for all of us. The tragic death of Ella Kissi-Debrah, and thousands …
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Government Response Summary
The government outlined its comprehensive Clean Air Strategy, including proposals for new goals and legislation, and discussed collaborations with health departments, review of the National Air Quality Strategy, and increased Air Quality Grant funding, but did not address the recommendation to empower the Office for Environmental Protection to enforce legally binding air quality limits.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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3
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 35
Many of the areas with the highest levels of social deprivation are also the most...
Recommendation
Many of the areas with the highest levels of social deprivation are also the most exposed to air pollution and this link is also more pronounced for people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Further research is urgently needed to fully understand …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to addressing health inequalities through new PM2.5 targets in the Environment Bill, aiming to improve air quality for everyone and deliver public health benefits across the country, involving multiple government departments and local authorities.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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4
Recommendation
Deferred
The Environment Bill should be amended to include a health inequalities target, to reduce the...
Recommendation
The Environment Bill should be amended to include a health inequalities target, to reduce the number of deaths associated with air pollution; and to require the Secretary of State to take account of human health considerations when setting or reviewing …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that reducing public health impacts is a primary focus for new air quality targets under the Environment Bill and they are specifically seeking advice from health experts on health inequalities. They also confirm that achieving targets will require action across multiple government departments and local authorities.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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5
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 50
The Committee recommends that the Office for Environmental Protection is given the necessary powers to...
Recommendation
The Committee recommends that the Office for Environmental Protection is given the necessary powers to enforce these limits.
Government Response Summary
The government confirms that existing and new air quality targets under the Environment Bill will fall within the remit of the Office for Environmental Protection, meaning the OEP will have the necessary powers to enforce them against all public bodies once operational.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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6
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 56
The Clean Air Strategy is a step in the right direction but relies too much...
Recommendation
The Clean Air Strategy is a step in the right direction but relies too much on local authorities, delegating most responsibility for delivering air quality improvements to them without providing sufficient competencies and resources to deliver. It also lacks the …
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Government Response Summary
The government outlines existing legally binding emission reduction targets and the process of revising the National Air Pollution Control Programme, but does not address the specific requested amendments to the Environment Bill regarding PM2.5 concentration targets or duties for air quality partners.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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7
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 57
Alongside the PM2.5 target, the Secretary of State should use his discretionary powers in the...
Recommendation
Alongside the PM2.5 target, the Secretary of State should use his discretionary powers in the Bill to set additional long-term air quality targets to reduce NO2, PM10, SO2, NMVOCs and ammonia. The Government should also commit to a long-term funding …
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Government Response Summary
The government states its immediate focus for target setting is PM2.5, citing existing national emission reduction commitments for other pollutants rather than setting additional long-term targets in the Bill. However, it details significant existing and increased funding for local authorities to tackle air pollution, including £880m for NO2, an increased Air Quality Grant Programme, and access to active travel funds, with a commitment to explore better targeting of funds.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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8
Recommendation
Acknowledged
As part of the Clean Air Strategy the Government should include a timeline on when...
Recommendation
As part of the Clean Air Strategy the Government should include a timeline on when the reduction in limits of other pollutants is to be delivered. (Paragraph 58) National and local action
Government Response Summary
The government stated that legally binding targets exist for reducing emissions of five key pollutants by 2020 and 2030, but acknowledged that 2020 targets for ammonia and PM2.5 are unlikely to be met. They committed to revising the National Air Pollution Control Programme to set out additional measures to get back on track.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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9
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 67
We recognise the commitment of the ministers in Defra and DfT, and their officials, to...
Recommendation
We recognise the commitment of the ministers in Defra and DfT, and their officials, to tackling poor air quality. However, it is not clear that this is matched elsewhere in Government, nor is the urgency of the issue being communicated …
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Government Response Summary
The government discusses inter-departmental work between DfT and BEIS officials regarding cleaner vehicle targets for the central government fleet but does not address the recommendation to expand the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) to include other government departments or broaden its remit.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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10
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 72
Government and the public sector at all levels must lead by example on air quality...
Recommendation
Government and the public sector at all levels must lead by example on air quality if they are asking businesses and individuals to make changes. There are numerous examples of that already happening in the NHS, local government and other …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the principle of public sector leadership in air quality, outlining commitments such as a 100% ultra-low emission central government car fleet by 2030 and extending Greening Government Commitments reporting to air pollutants. They will also explore strengthening public sector expectations via the LAQM framework review and designating air quality partners, but the response does not commit to extending mandatory zero tailpipe vehicle procurement across the *whole* public sector by 2025 or reporting on GBS exemptions.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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11
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 87
Clean Air Zones (CAZs) are the UK Government’s key mechanism for reducing NO2 from road...
Recommendation
Clean Air Zones (CAZs) are the UK Government’s key mechanism for reducing NO2 from road transport to legal levels “in the shortest possible time”, but they illustrate the Government’s over-reliance on local government to deliver progress. CAZs were already being …
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Government Response Summary
The government explained its Clean Air Zone Framework and the principles for local authorities, emphasizing economic impacts and time-limited exemptions, but did not provide the requested revised timetables for CAZ implementation, updates on local authorities using alternative measures, or a review of necessary resources.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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12
Recommendation
Not Addressed
The Government’s framework should ensure that all CAZs are class D (i.e.
Recommendation
The Government’s framework should ensure that all CAZs are class D (i.e. charging zones), and include time-limited exemptions for people with reduced mobility to help them adapt. (Paragraph 88) Air Quality and coronavirus: a glimpse of a different future or …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response discussed the publication of JAQU's evaluation report on local NO2 plans and plans to share learning with local authorities, but did not address the recommendation that all Clean Air Zones should be Class D and include time-limited exemptions for people with reduced mobility.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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13
Recommendation
Acknowledged
We recognise that CAZs do not address the root causes of air pollution, nor the...
Recommendation
We recognise that CAZs do not address the root causes of air pollution, nor the wider issues beyond their boundaries, and that local leaders sometimes have to strike a difficult balance so as to not “lose the dressing room”. However, …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated it is conducting a major review of the Local Air Quality Management Framework, promising to work closely with local authorities to understand pandemic impacts and develop a stronger support framework. This is a broader review, rather than a specific commitment for JAQU to review its evaluation programme's scope and accessibility as requested.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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14
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 95
We welcome the Government’s commitment to a green recovery, including bringing forward the ban on...
Recommendation
We welcome the Government’s commitment to a green recovery, including bringing forward the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars. This must include a strong focus on improving air quality, especially given the risk that changes in local …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response discussed how Clean Air Zones aim to increase fleet turnover, mentioned exploring financial incentives for sustainable change, and highlighted support through the Air Quality Grant Programme and the Business Clean Air Taskforce. However, it did not address ensuring capacity and coverage of electronic charging infrastructure across the country, especially in rural areas, or updating the Clean Air Strategy to reflect the pandemic's impact on local economies.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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15
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 96
There are also opportunities to enable businesses to invest to reduce their contribution to air...
Recommendation
There are also opportunities to enable businesses to invest to reduce their contribution to air pollution; but risks this won’t happen given the financial difficulties many face. This should be in addition to the “Best Available Techniques” process which covers …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response detailed efforts to reassure the public about public transport safety, plans for a National Bus Strategy, investment in zero-emission buses, and emergency bus funding during the pandemic. It did not address the recommendation to review vehicle fleet turnover policies, develop financial incentives for businesses to reduce air pollution, or support air quality audit standards.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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16
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 102
Although reducing the use of public transport has been necessary during the pandemic, action is...
Recommendation
Although reducing the use of public transport has been necessary during the pandemic, action is needed to prevent a permanent shift in public attitudes towards it. As restrictions are lifted, the Government should work with local authorities and providers to …
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Government Response Summary
The government's response focused on funding for active travel, cycling, and walking initiatives, rather than addressing the recommendation to reassure the public about public transport safety, promote its use, or consider financial support for public transport providers to transition to cleaner vehicles.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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17
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 114
During the first lockdown in spring 2020, active travel increased significantly, facilitated in part by...
Recommendation
During the first lockdown in spring 2020, active travel increased significantly, facilitated in part by timely Government action. It is important that this progress is not lost, and the Government must match its rhetoric on a longer-term shift to active …
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Government Response Summary
The government is providing a second tranche of Active Travel Funding to local authorities, subject to conditions including proper consultation, to support the shift to active travel.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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18
Recommendation
Not Addressed
Para 115
There remains a mixed picture on implementation across the country however, reflecting both local needs...
Recommendation
There remains a mixed picture on implementation across the country however, reflecting both local needs but also in some place the willingness of local leaders to make the case for changes which take time to bed-in. We recognise the difficult …
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Government Response Summary
The government described how the Active Travel Fund supports local authorities in implementing schemes and using enforcement powers, and mentioned a forthcoming Transport Decarbonisation Plan, but did not specify how community engagement would be reflected in future funding for schemes as requested.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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19
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 116
Active travel schemes, and other local efforts to tackle air pollution, must benefit the communities...
Recommendation
Active travel schemes, and other local efforts to tackle air pollution, must benefit the communities most affected by air pollution, and focus on changing the behaviour of those who contribute most to the problem. They must also avoid undermining public …
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Government Response Summary
The government highlights existing active travel initiatives and local efforts to make school streets permanent, commits to implementing moving traffic enforcement powers (with regulations underway and timing uncertain), and plans to publish a Transport Decarbonisation Plan in Spring 2021 to support related goals.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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20
Recommendation
Deferred
The pandemic has caused substantial shifts in how people travel.
Recommendation
The pandemic has caused substantial shifts in how people travel. This has had a positive effect on some measures of air quality; but it is likely to be temporary, and positive moves such as more working from home and active …
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Government Response Summary
The government stated that consultation on the Planning for the Future White Paper closed and detailed policy development is ongoing, with no decisions yet made on specifics. They committed to considering how reforms contribute to environmental objectives, including air quality, as proposals are taken forward.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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