Fifth report - Air Quality and coronavirus: a glimpse of a different future or business as usual

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.