Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Acknowledged
As at May 2022, a lifetime budget of £883 million has been committed to the...
Conclusion
As at May 2022, a lifetime budget of £883 million has been committed to the NO2 Programme to support local authorities. Separately government has spent £39 million to improve air quality on the Strategic Road Network from 2015–16 to 2019–20. Further funding is available to 2024–25.37 Although the NO2 programme is the largest dedicated air quality initiative, other work across government is expected to contribute to improving air quality, such as support to ultra-low emission vehicles and the Transforming Cities Fund, which improves public and sustainable transport. Government could not provide the National Audit Office with a breakdown of committed and actual spend across its portfolio of air quality initiatives.38 DfT told us that it has carried out deep dives in specific areas, such as on air quality benefits from meeting Net Zero commitments over the period from 2020 to 2050, but that carrying out similar work across the full span of Government programmes on an annual basis would be technically difficult.39
Government Response Summary
The government provides figures on spending on NO2 pollution and improving air quality on the Strategic Road Network.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Measures to tackle NO pollution include bus retrofit and traffic management schemes, and in 2 some areas, Clean Air Zones (CAZs) where vehicle owners are required to pay a charge if their vehicle does not meet a certain emissions standard. The government has, through its NO programme, directed 64 local authorities to take action to improve air quality. It has also 2 commissioned National Highways to examine breaches on the Strategic Road Network in England. As at May 2022, a lifetime budget of £883 million has been committed to the Programme to support local authorities. Separately government has spent £39 million to improve air quality on the Strategic Road Network from 2015–16 to 2019–20.