The Government has launched a consultation on how councils in England can improve air quality.

It is asking for views on a revised Air Quality Strategy which outlines the actions councils can take to reduce emissions of fine particulate matter, the pollutant most damaging to health.

It also provides a framework to enable them to make the best use of their powers.

It says this strategy will drive progress towards achieving the Government’s legally-binding targets for all key air pollutants.

The final strategy will complement a range of support the Government gives local authorities including £883m allocated under the Nitrogen Dioxide Programme and funding awarded under Defra’s local Air Quality Grant scheme.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: ‘By taking action in communities across the country, local authorities have a pivotal role to play in improving air quality, and they should listen to local residents and local businesses to find solutions that work best for their local area.

‘Building on the great strides made in tackling air pollution at a national level since 2010, this strategy will help councils to go further and faster to improve air quality for the benefit of their residents.’

Responding to the Government’s new air quality strategy, and the associated 10-day consultation, UK100's interim chief executive, Jason Torrance, said: 'After waiting so long for the strategy, it is incredible that the Government is giving local authorities, the public and other stakeholders just ten days to respond.

'Action on one of the greatest environmental and public health threats of our time is urgent, but it needs to be taken with public consent and in collaboration with local leaders to be credible and effective.'

Mr Torrance continued: 'It’s unacceptable that local leaders have been left gasping for breath as they try to respond to a strategy conferring huge new responsibilities on local authorities during a pre-election period that restricts how they can respond.

'The first thing Ministers must do is extend the consultation period — and do so beyond the local elections.'