The Government have gone further to build on their ambitious course of action to tackle air pollution and improve air quality, as we build back greener and slash emissions.
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.
Louie welcomes the supportive and innovative approach the Government is taking to tackle air pollution by funding to help people switch to cleaner vehicles and improving public transport connectivity which will drive significant environmental improvement and tackle pollution. In comparison to the Mayor of London’s tax plans on local residents, key workers and businesses by expanding ULEZ to Greater London, including Old Bexley and Sidcup with no evidence that this will improve air quality.
Commenting, Louie said:
“Clean air is essential for life, health, our environment and the economy; poor air quality shortens lives and contributes to chronic illness. Cleaning up the air we breathe is not only vital to slashing emissions but it also helps us live healthier lives.”
“This funding boost for local authorities will be key in the delivery of their projects to clean up our air–with £42 million going to projects across England through the Air Quality Grant since 2010. I also welcome investment to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points and I am working with the Council to deliver these in Old Bexley and Sidcup”
“I welcome the Government’s approach in helping communities to improve air quality, rather than Sadiq Khan’s plans to tax on people’s lives and livelihoods by expanding ULEZ to Greater London, including Old Bexley and Sidcup which will hit local families, key workers, business and charities who cannot afford a new car.”
