Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
I am delighted to announce that we have allocated over £1 million to Local Authorities from the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) Grant. Demonstrating the Welsh Government’s commitment to improving air quality across Wales, we have been able to make allocations benefitting 10 Local Authorities: Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire, Flintshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Powys, Cardiff and Vale, Newport and Swansea. I have also extended the grant award period for up to three years, to 2028, allowing Local Authorities to undertake longer-term projects spanning multiple years so delivering even more meaningful outcomes for their communities.
The LAQM Grant plays a crucial role in supporting Local Authorities in their efforts to monitor, assess and improve air quality. This year we received the largest number of bids since the grant was made available in 2021. By providing an annual budget of £1 million over the next three years, the Grant enables the implementation of effective measures to reduce air pollution and protect public health. There will be further opportunities for Local Authorities to continue submitting bids for this funding in subsequent years.
The benefits of the LAQM Grant for local communities are far-reaching, contributing to cleaner air, healthier communities and a better quality of life for all residents. LAQM funded projects will also play a key role in helping us to deliver on our commitment to promote awareness of air pollution. We will be consulting on our draft Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Plan this summer.
For the 2025-28 period, the criteria for the LAQM Grant include:
- Prevention – action that seeks to improve air quality and prevent worsening of concentrations and/or an exceedance of air quality objectives.
- Mitigation – action that seeks to improve air quality in an Air Quality Management Area.
- Innovation – action using innovative methods or technologies to improve air quality and/or reduce exposure.
- Equality – action that seeks to ensure that projects consider and focus on improving persistent problems such as poverty, protected characteristics under the Equalities Act 2010, health inequalities and climate change.
This funding will go a long way in ensuring that our local air quality and promoting awareness objectives are met. By working together, we can create a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of these projects within our communities
This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.