High Peak Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Environment Minister Dan Rogerson has announced that more than 30 projects across England will benefit from a £1 million government fund to improve air quality.

The money will be used for a wide range of new local projects in 28 local authority areas which have each been awarded between £10,000 and £60,000.

Dan Rogerson said:

"Local authorities have come up with some great ideas for improving air quality across our towns and cities.

"Air quality has improved significantly in recent decades and it's vital we do everything we can to keep that going. Funding these projects is another important step and will help local authorities keep up their good work."

The Annual Air Quality Grant Programme has allocated over £50 million to support local authorities in monitoring and improving air quality since it was first introduced in 1997.

The grant programme is focussed on supporting projects set up to deal with high nitrogen dioxide levels normally associated with road transport.

Grants in the East Midlands include £60,000 to Balby District Council to investigate the impact of smoothing trafic flow using micro-simulation modelling

Local authorities which receive grant funding will be required to provide a progress report by November next year and audit checks will be carried out to check how appropriately the money has been spent.

The Facts:

For a list of local authorities receiving funding in 2013 to 2014 and projects receiving funding visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-projects-receive-1-million-to-improve-local-air-quality