WNC awarded funding to improve air quality

"West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has been successful in its bid to secure funds as part of the Government’s £10.1 million project towards air quality improvement.

Air quality has an impact on the health of our populations, and it is important that initiatives are put in place to help improve air quality for residents today and future generations.

WNC has received £292,378 funding from Government to roll-out new initiatives to improve air-quality in Northampton. This complements a further grant awarded in 2021/22 for £148,297 which is focused on active traffic management to improve congestion and poor air quality in existing air quality management areas.

The new grant will provide funding to develop an evidence base for possible action to deal with particulate pollution in the West Northants. Work proposed will include air quality monitoring and modelling, along with survey work to identify patterns of fuel use in the area. This will be supported by communications to residents to advise on how to ensure that solid fuel burning is carried out in the most efficient way and providing details on alternative methods.

Cllr Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Given our bold Net Zero commitments, it’s great news that we have been successful in our funding bid to secure nearly £300,000 towards putting measures in place to improve air quality in Northampton, and wider West Northamptonshire.

“Burning solid fuels such as coal and wood produces small particles which can be harmful to health, however, we recognise that these fuels may be the only reasonable cost option during the cost-of-living crisis. As part of the project, we will be looking at the full health and economic effects of any controls put in place to limit the way that these fuels can burnt, while supporting our residents and promoting funding streams available to support them in heating their homes.”

The full evidence base including the health impact assessment and economic assessment will ensure that any future decisions by the Council are based on an understanding of the full range of impacts of any actions taken as part of the project.

To find out more about Air Quality across West Northants visit: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/environmental-health/air-quality

West Northamptonshire Council Communications Team

communications@westnorthants.gov.uk"