Uttlesford District Council will receive £517, 124 of new funding for a new clean air pilot scheme helping to raise awareness of poor air quality and encourage behavioural changes to help improve it.
Kemi Badenoch, MP for the Saffron Walden constituency has welcomed the funding for the scheme, which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to build on an ambitious course of action to tackle air pollution and clean the air we breathe, as we build back greener and cut emissions.
Essex County Council are also receiving over £279, 000 for a scheme to improve resident’s knowledge on air quality and encourage steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution, focusing on schools, young people and their parents.
The Government’s Air Quality Grant has been bolstered with £11.6 million for councils across England for their clean air projects – supporting the uptake of low emissions vehicles, getting more people to cycle and walk, and encouraging cleaner public transport.
This funding means more than £42 million has been awarded through the Air Quality Grant since 2010 across almost 500 projects – helping more local authorities to deliver cleaner air for their communities.
More than double the funding awarded in 2021 has been made available for this year’s grant, meaning a raft of innovative projects to deliver air quality improvements are being supported across the country.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch said:
“Cleaning up the air we breathe is not only vital for reducing emissions and reaching net zero – but it also helps us live healthier lives.
“The funding for Essex and Uttlesford councils will be key in the delivery of their projects to clean up air across the constituency, particularly in more built-up areas like in our towns and around schools.
“Whilst I recognise some residents must travel by car, especially those in more rural villages, it is important we are continuously thinking about whether we are using the most environmentally sustainable option. This could be by having a low emissions vehicle, choosing to cycle or walk, or opting for public transport.
“I look forward to seeing both projects progress and give residents greater knowledge and information on air quality and what steps they can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution.”
