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
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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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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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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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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