Schools to benefit from air quality funding

Local authorities have been granted more than £11 million in government funding to deliver projects to improve air quality, with many schools across England to benefit.

The money, from the Government’s Air Quality Grant, helps councils develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities

Jo Churchill, Agri-innovation and Climate Adaptation Minister, said: "Air pollution is the single biggest environmental risk to public health. It has reduced significantly since 2010, but we know there is more to do, which is why we have doubled the amount of funding awarded this year to help local authorities take vital action.

"The projects supported by this latest round of funding include innovative local schemes to boost the use of green transport, increase monitoring of fine particulate matter – the most harmful pollutant to human health – and improve awareness of the risks of poor air quality around schools and in care homes.

"Local authorities are best placed to find solutions to the issues they face in their areas, and we will continue to work closely with them and offer support to help deliver real change in cleaning up our air."

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has won funding for air quality monitoring and anti-idling campaign with schools, while Southampton City Council has secured funding for a Clean Air schools’ engagement and behaviour change programme.

London Borough of Southwark will receive some of the grant for a project that aims reduce emissions from gas boilers at schools through installation of replacement heat pumps.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council will use their funding for monitoring of air quality, engagement, and awareness raising in schools.

Doncaster Council meanwhile will use their funding for a schools’ street closure programme.