Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with local authorities on steps to improve air quality.

Defra officials have regular discussions with local authorities, including on local air quality management and supporting local action. The Joint Air Quality Unit works closely with local authorities in the NO₂ Programme to develop and deliver Clean Air Plans to deliver compliance with legal NO₂ limits in the shortest possible time.

The revised Air Quality Strategy published on 28 April 2023, provides a framework for local authorities to make best use of their powers in improving air quality for their communities. Building on the Strategy, in September of this year we held a national event for local authorities across England to promote the powers available to local authorities to improve air quality, raise the profile of air quality within local authorities and strengthen understanding of the impacts of air pollution.