This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Government announces funding to improve air quality
The government has announced £6 million from the new round of Air Quality Grants to improve air quality in local communities.
Local authorities are invited to bid for the funding, which is intended to help councils to develop and implement measures to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of air pollution on people’s health.
Funding will be prioritised for projects which tackle particulate matter; improve public awareness of the impacts of air pollution; and help local authorities to bring down levels of nitrogen oxide (NO2) and other pollutants to below legal limits.
Previous projects to receive funding include delivering an air quality awareness programme to over 3,000 students in Cornwall; an e-cargo bike library, which helped local businesses in Norfolk to cut operating costs while lowering their emissions; and training for healthcare professionals in Southampton so they can advise vulnerable patients about how to reduce their exposure to air pollution.
Health minister Neil O’Brien said: "Air pollution poses health risks, particularly for older people, children, and people with heart or lung conditions which is why we’re committed to making our air cleaner.
"This year’s fund builds on the significant action we’re already taking to improve air quality, and I urge local authorities across England to bid for funding to help improve the health of people living in their areas."
Environment minister Trudy Harrison said: "Poor air quality is the biggest environmental risk to human health and local authorities play a vital role in tackling it.
"This latest round of funding will support innovative projects across England that give communities the tools to limit their exposure and reduce pollution.
"Together, this will build on the significant improvements in air quality delivered by the government at a national level and deliver cleaner air for all."
Image by EB Pilgrim from Pixabay
Latest News
16/02/2024 - 12:56
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.
16/02/2024 - 10:44
Two million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan according to new NHS data.
15/02/2024 - 10:26
The Welsh Government has provided innovation funding of £380,000 to support two projects utilising technology in domiciliary care.
15/02/2024 - 10:13
The new Scottish health secretary has met with frontline staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
14/02/2024 - 10:27
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed three new Executive Directors to the Trust Board.
Product Features
UK Building Regulations highlight toxic gas and smoke from layers of paint built up over multiple redecorations as a major cause of permanent ill health or death in a building fire.
Their concern rose with discovery the flame retardant paints most widely used paint along escape routes have been ones which to this day counter-productively use emission of heavy toxic gas to smother flames which rapidly spread along walls if layers of paint delaminate in a fire.
Supplier Profiles
Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients
Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho
Latest Features
Sarah Greenslade, public affairs and communications officer at the British Parking Association looks at some of the problems and innovations in healthcare parking
It’s easy to assume that the comms team is there to handle press enquiries and the occasional social media storm – but the reality is that strategic communications can make a measurable impact across the entire organisation, from operational to financial, when done properly
