Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Air Quality

Thursday 26 November 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Local authorities have tools to reduce air pollution, which are being expanded through the Environment Bill.
  • The Greater Manchester plan does not include charging private cars and provides funding to help drivers and businesses upgrade vehicles.
  • Local authorities can get support from other bodies to develop air-quality management plans.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Jones Con
Environment
Context

There are concerns about air quality in various areas of the UK, including Harrogate and Knaresborough where three air-quality management areas exist.

Question

What steps he is taking to improve air quality. I am concerned about improving air quality in my constituency, specifically mentioning that while improvements were made at Bond End junction in Knaresborough, Woodlands junction in Harrogate continues to break NOx levels and needs further action.

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Local authorities have a range of tools they can use to reduce air pollution, which we are building on through the Environment Bill. The bill ensures that local authorities have a clear framework and simple-to-use powers to tackle air-pollution issues in their areas. We are broadening the range of bodies required to take action to improve air quality.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific help given to reduce NOx levels was not detailed

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Q2 Mark Logan
Transport Environment
Context

There are concerns about congestion taxes and the extent of clean air zones in Bolton, which is situated nearly 500 square miles away from Westminster.

Question

How can Bolton avoid a future with £15 congestion charges? And how can it manage being part of a clean air zone that stretches from here to Watford. The Greater Manchester plan does not include charging private cars but has concerns about the impact on drivers and businesses.

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Only the most polluting older vehicles are charged, it is not a congestion charge. The Greater Manchester plan does not include charging private cars. We have provided £41 million in advance of the zone to help drivers and businesses least able to upgrade their vehicles. Further funding will be allocated.

Answered
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Q3 Andrew Jones Con
Environment
Context

There are concerns about the effectiveness of local measures to reduce NOx levels, particularly at Woodlands junction in Harrogate.

Question

What help is being given to local authorities to help them reduce NOx levels? The Environment Bill aims to ensure that local authorities have a clear framework and simple-to-use powers to tackle air-pollution issues. Getting other bodies involved closely on air-quality management plans can also support this effort.

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Local authorities have a range of tools they can use, and we are building on these through the Environment Bill. The bill ensures that local authorities have clear frameworks and simple-to-use powers to tackle air-pollution issues in their areas. We will continue to provide support through the air-quality grant.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific measures or funding details for reducing NOx levels were not provided

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