On a day when The Guardian newspaper’s (no pay wall) lead article is on a global study that suggests air pollution is helping to drive a rise in antibiotic resistance that poses a significant threat to human health worldwide, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is inviting local authorities in England to apply for an Air Quality Grant 2023 to 2024.
The grant scheme is competitive and will award at least £6 million to local authorities in England.
There are 2 application lots for this grant period:
Lot 1 is for projects that will improve local air quality – especially in areas that are projected to remain in exceedance of local air quality objectives, such as for nitrogen dioxide. Defra will prioritise local authorities:
o where an exceedance has been identified, and
o that have one or more Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).
Lot 2 is for projects that will improve public awareness in local communities about the risks of air pollution, and projects for measures that deal with particulate matter.
The deadline for applications is midday (12 noon) on Friday 29th September 2023.
Further information about the Air Quality Grant scheme can be found on the GOV.UK website.
