UK local authorities to receive more air quality responsibilities

Local government bodies in the UK are to be tasked with playing a larger role in improving air quality standards in their constituencies.

A new Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs command paper has stated that responsibility for devising local air quality strategies and priorities is to be devolved from the central government to local authorities.

This move will be designed to allow councils to focus their limited resources on plans which will have the maximum effect, rather than on unnecessary bureaucracy, reports LocalGov.

"The government believes there needs to be a shift in power from the central state back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils," said the paper.

It was also noted that local government will need to work closely with transport departments in order to minimise the impact of vehicle emissions on air quality.

Earlier this month, the City of York Council announced plans to trial new low-emission buses in the area in a bid to improve air quality standards.

Posted by Lauren Steadman