Air Quality Grant FY 2022-2023

Tender description

Defra is seeking to award grant funding to Local Authorities for 1 year, under S31 Local Government Act 2005, following a compliant competed procurement process to address local air quality issues. The purpose of funding is to progress the following objectives: • Reduce air pollutant exceedances especially in those areas that are projected to remain in exceedance of the UK’s legal targets beyond 2020. • Improve knowledge and information about air quality, and steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution • Projects that include measures that deal with Particulate Matter. To ensure the budget is targeted at the scheme’s priorities, there will be two lots: • Lot 1 will award funding to projects that improve local air quality • Lot 2 will award funding to: o Projects that improve public awareness in local communities about the risks of air pollution. o Projects for measures that deal with Particulate Matter (PM). Lot 1: Projects that improve local air quality Air Quality Grant Scheme is open to all Local Authorities in England to apply for grant funding to address local air quality issues. Funding will be awarded under S31 of the Local Government Act 2005. Lot 1 o Local authorities who can demonstrate the project will benefit local areas where there are or are projected to be pollutant exceedances. o A local authority’s compliance with the various LAQM reporting requirements. Failure to provide information to demonstrate accordance with the LAQM reporting requirements may adversely affect the ability to gain funding. o Projects that reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions. o Innovative projects that can improve local air quality backed by robust evidence and designed to share best practice. Lot 2: Lot 2 will award funding to projects that improve public awareness in local communities about the risks of air pollution. Projects for measures that deal with Particulate Matter (PM). o Local authorities which have a have a Smoke Control Area (for PM projects). o Projects that support the government objective to 1) Raise awareness about domestic burning and/or 2) Reduce the impact of domestic burning of wood and coal, the single largest contributors of harmful particulate matter (PM) emissions. o Projects that improve knowledge and information about air quality and steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution