North and West Northamptonshire councils: Local air quality strategy

• Location: Northamptonshire

• Purpose: North and West Northamptonshire councils are new unitary authorities and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) asked them to create air quality plans to ensure their local areas were on track to meet the UK’s 2030 and 2040 air pollution targets. 

• Description: The councils monitored air quality in the area and then worked with the environmental health, highways and transport teams, and public health officials to explore potential reduction strategies. The councils then launched a public consultation to gather feedback from residents and businesses on their priorities for improving public transport, expanding EV charging, reducing domestic burning, changes to taxi licensing, and easing congestion to improve air quality. To reach more residents and businesses, the councils not only hosted the consultation on their websites but also worked with local media outlets and gathered over 1,000 responses. 

• Funding: The consultation was funded through a Public Health Air Quality Officer post.

• Conservative councillor/ council lead: Cllr Harriet Pentland, Executive Member for Climate & Green Environment (North Northamptonshire Council), and Cllr Matt Golby, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health, and Regulatory Services (West Northamptonshire Council).

• Further links: North Northamptonshire Council write-up, West Northamptonshire Council write-up, BBC News article, North Northamptonshire Council consultation findings, North Northamptonshire Council local air quality strategy, CEN councillor webinar with Cllr Harriet Pentland.