Decision details

RESOLVED: 

That the process for implementing the Air Quality Strategy be supported and that the draft Strategy be approved for public consultation.

KEY DECISION: 

Yes

PORTFOLIO: 

Community, Safety and Wellbeing

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED: 

As set out in the report. 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: 

None 

DISCUSSION: 

The Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing introduced the report highlighting that the District Council no longer had any Air Quality Management Areas, and that as directed by the Environment Act 2021, it was necessary for the Council to produce an Air Quality Strategy to ensure that air quality remained a high priority.  It was proposed that following a public consultation exercise, approval would formally be sought to adopt the Air Quality Strategy.

Non-Cabinet members welcomed the draft Air Quality Strategy, recognising the desire to go beyond the air quality objectives set by Government.  It was noted that the draft Strategy had been robustly considered at the Housing and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel and that officers should be commended for their hard work in its production.

It was highlighted by a non-Cabinet Member that statistics had been presented in the strategy in relation to people over the age of 30, but that there was no mention of infants and young children. The Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing responded, noting that the public health statistical data reported on air quality impacts with data provided from the Department for Health and Social Care.  He would seek clarification on why data was only provided for the over 30s.  He did however confirm that young children were considered vulnerable in terms of the impact of air pollution impacts within the draft Strategy. 

Some non-Cabinet members spoke about the lack of provision of accessible public transport, recognising that Hampshire County Council would not be prioritising rural public transport.  One of the main pollutants in the District was from vehicle  emissions.  It was suggested that efforts be made to enhance public transport where the District Council was able to.