Strategic Overview

The Air Quality Strategy 2023 sets out the strategic framework for local authorities and other partners in England. Air quality has improved in England over recent decades. However, it continues to be the biggest environmental risk to public health, with children, the elderly and the already vulnerable most affected. Poor air quality also has consequences for crop yields and, particularly in the case of ammonia and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), significant impacts for the natural environment and biodiversity.

Local government has an essential role to play in delivering cleaner air for communities and nature right across England. They have many of the powers and local insight to tackle issues that cause pollution locally. Local authorities (the lower tier in two-tier areas, and unitary authorities) already have a duty to address air quality exceedances in their area. This includes declaring Air Quality Management Areas and publishing Air Quality Action Plans setting out the measures they will take to come back into compliance.

The Environment Act 2021 made provision for targets, plans and policies for improving the natural environment. It established a framework for setting and reporting on long-term environmental targets in four priority areas, including air quality and contains a specific duty to set a PM_2.5 concentration target.

The Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 set the context for the Air Quality Strategy and represents the first review of the 25 Year Environment Plan. It sets out the plan for delivering on targets and overall goals in England.

The different UK countries have published or are developing their own strategies that reflect their priorities and air quality agendas. Collectively these strategies set out the ways in which the nation can tackle air pollution and in so doing improve public health, protect the natural environment, and boost the economy