Air quality
DEFRA withholds £6m of air quality funding
Around £6m in funding promised to local authorities to help tackle air pollution will be withheld, a Government spokesperson has confirmed.
A collaborative approach reaps rewards
Robin Heap outlines how the new BCP Council’s Bike Share cycle scheme has benefited the city region in a short space of time – and in the process became a big winner at this year’s The MJ Awards.
Solving the school run
Contrary to popular opinion, active travel isn’t the only answer to school run congestion - data can help too, says Pooya Kamvari.
We’re putting people before cars
Southwark’s recently launched Streets for People is more than just a transport strategy – it sets out ambitious plans to improve air quality, says Cllr James McAsh.
Using the past to shape our future
The UK’s youngest city has provided many important historical examples of civic leadership and pioneering spirit, and as Kersten England explains, continuing this legacy and maintaining a modern shared vision is a responsibility Bradford welcomes.
Councils press for more stringent air quality targets
Local authorities have dismissed claims air pollution targets cannot be met by 2030.
City Hall accused of countering science on ULEZ
Sadiq Khan’s office has been accused of trying to counter scientists who suggested London's ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) had little impact on pollution.
Centralisation is the real problem in the ULEZ debate
While mayors are grappling with the implications of facing the important issue of air quality, central Government is making local action to clean up the air we breathe as difficult as possible, says Zoë Billingham.
Forging consensus around tough transitions must be done locally
With the role of London's ULEZ in the Uxbridge by-election in the spotlight, Jessica Studdert says underfunded councils need 'skills and resource to enable more proactive engagement, deliberation and better forge consensus around trade-offs'.
Weathering the storm – tackling the climate and health crises in tandem
The impacts of extreme weather are felt first by those who have least protection, and the solutions include health and wellbeing boards and a much more directive national framework, says Graham Duxbury.
Charged up to deliver EVs
The UK is migrating to electric vehicles and, Robin Heap says, there are companies working to speed the rollout to tackle climate change, boost local economic growth and help make EV a realistic option for everyone.
Councils face ‘Kafkaesque’ barriers to net zero
Local authorities face ‘Kafkaesque’ barriers to achieving net zero goals, a new report backed by the Government’s net zero Tsar has concluded.
Space: the final frontier
Ian Miller wonders why there is such a rush with the Government's revised national Air Quality Strategy. It was poor planning by Defra, he believes.
Twisty tail to devolution
More consensus is needed before we are forced into ultra-low emissions zones, writes Sir Bob Neill.
Nottingham's whole-city approach to delivering net zero
Wayne Bexton looks at how Nottingham City Council is collaborating and innovating towards a carbon neutral vision.
High Court grants permission for ULEZ judicial review
The High Court has granted permission for a judicial review into the proposed expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to outer London this summer.
Call for air quality consultation extension
A network of local leaders has called for the Government to extend its consultation on how councils in England can improve air quality beyond the local elections.
Sustainable action in Bristol
Paul Joyce, Jason Lowther, and Philip Whiteman report on Bristol’s One City Plan and joint venture to deliver the United Nation’s sustainable development goals and co-ordinate local action on the climate crisis.
Wood-burning stoves and toxic air: what CANZ be done?
The starkest message in a recent Defra report was that the biggest source of particulate pollution is in our homes, says Jason Torrance. He believes joined-up air quality and climate action can accelerate both agendas if done well.
Playing a healthy long-life game
Matthew Morgan takes a look at how local authorities can take a long-term approach to delivering improved health and wellbeing in cities.