The UK Government has announced the latest round of funding for local projects to improve air quality across England.

Local authorities can bid for a portion of at least £2m from the Air Quality Grant scheme for a wide range of projects to improve air quality and create cleaner and healthier environments.

Since it was established, the scheme has awarded around £64.5m to a variety of projects helping schools, businesses and communities to reduce the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide in the air.

‘Air pollution, and in particular PM2.5, carries enormous risks to human health which is why we are continuing to provide funding to local authorities to help them take action,’ said environment minister Rebecca Pow.

‘This is part of delivering on the ambition in our world-leading Clean Air Strategy to halve the harm to human health from air pollution by 2030.

‘We know that local authorities are in the best position to address the issues they face in their areas and we look forward to receiving ideas for ways to reduce emissions and promote cleaner, greener alternatives.’

Transport minister Rachel Maclean commented: ‘I’m delighted to see the launch of the next round of funding for councils in towns and cities across the country to help reduce transport emissions and improve air quality for our local communities.

‘From schools, to local businesses and households, it’s vital that we support a diverse range of projects to create cleaner, greener and healthier places to live.’

The grant application process is competitive, with projects to tackle PM2.5 particularly welcomed by Defra. The best projects will also develop long-term solutions to increase awareness and encourage behaviour change.

Applicants in previous years have been awarded funding to test indoor air quality and the effectiveness of filter systems in schools, develop clean air village projects joining up several London boroughs, and raise awareness around domestic burning and the dangers of using harmful fuels such as coal and wet wood.

Applications for the grant open from 2 September and close at 12pm on 14 October 2020.