Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Our national air quality strategy, the Clean Air Plan for Wales: Healthy Air, Healthy Wales, describes how the Welsh Government is addressing air pollution challenges by working collaboratively across Government departments, different sectors and with the public.
Effective communication about air pollution to drive behavioural change is key to protecting the health of current and future generations, as well as the environment. The health effects of air pollution have been extensively researched and are well documented. Practical interventions to raise awareness of air pollution sources and mitigating actions can help everyone to reduce their exposure and contributions to air pollution.
The Environment (Air Quality & Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 introduced new duties on Welsh Ministers to take steps to promote awareness of the health and environmental risks caused by air pollution and ways of reducing these. Today, I am publishing for consultation a draft Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Plan which sets out the actions that we, and our partners, will take to raise awareness of and tackle air pollution.
We have co-produced the draft Plan with a dedicated Delivery Group chaired by our Clean Air Champion for Wales, Professor Paul Lewis. A range of experts are represented on the Delivery Group, including local authorities, health boards, academia and organisations working to reduce the impact of poor air on human health. I am very grateful to all who have contributed to the Plan’s development.
As part of the Delivery Plan we intend to develop a communications campaign to inform the public about the impacts of domestic burning on health, the environment and the wider community. Our focus will be on sharing clear, evidence-based information to help people make informed choices.
We also propose to deliver a range of awareness activity around stationary vehicle engine idling which is an offence that can attract a fixed penalty fine. We know that the pollution from this causes harm and is a particular concern outside schools and health settings. So today I am also launching a consultation on proposals to improve the way stationary engine idling is addressed, including the introduction of a penalty range for the existing offence.
To support our awareness raising and behaviour change activity we have identified an annual budget of £575,000 over the three-year lifespan of the Delivery Plan. Additional funding is also available through existing grant schemes including our Local Air Quality Management Support Fund, reinforcing our commitment to tackling air pollution at every level.
Air quality improvements are a priority within our Clean Air Strategy. By delivering targeted actions and working collaboratively with local authorities, health professionals, and communities, we can play a crucial role in creating a healthier Wales for everyone.
Consultation on the draft Delivery Plan, which will conclude 28 October, can be found here.
The responses that we receive to both consultations will help shape the final version of the Delivery Plan and our wider policy for air quality.
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.