On the Day Briefing: Clean Air Strategy

Today, the government released its Clean Air Strategy, a pan-government response conferring upon local government important new powers and responsibilities for tackling  the blight of air pollution.

Click here to read Localis’ briefing on the strategy, including policy options and best practice.

The briefing contains a full response from Localis chief executive Jonathan Werran, as well as an excerpt from our forthcoming research paper A Modern Transport Infrastructure Strategy’ on local policy options to improve and invest in air quality.

From a place-based perspective, what Localis sees as important in the strategy is:

  • The welcome acknowledgement of the strategic role of authorities and the need for collaboration within and between councils.
  • However, the strategy would benefit from more explicit acknowledgement of the local state’s convening power, especially in connection with industry and citizens.
  • The strategy indicates a clear path for local government to take independent action and start doing things – our guide to practice overleaf shows some already are – ahead of receiving central government approval.
  • The strategy places the responsibility upon local authorities to work out where collaboration is best delivered and what scale, as well as what kind of action would be locally appropriate.

Download the full briefing for more information and a selection of examples where local policy and practice can improve air quality.