Agenda item - Air Quality Action Plan 2022 Consultation Results

Report of the Executive Director Economy, Environment & Culture

1)             That the committee welcomes the inclusion of more ambitious targets in the Air Quality Action Plan for the protection of human health, which will work towards World Health Organisation guidelines (2021).

2)             That the committee approves the 2022 Air Quality Action Plan in Appendix 2 of this report.

3)             That the committee welcomes the continued work and investment to develop an expanded Ultra-low Emission Zone for the city.

4)             That the committee requests officers research further how the development and delivery of a citywide Smoke Control Area could help tackle the harmful effects of particulate matter in the areas where there is currently no Smoke Control Area, and that officers ensure that advice is provided to residents on the council website on how best to manage solid fuel heating where they do have it to supplement heating, including referring people to the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for a free home visit if they have concerns.

5)             The committee welcomes the promotion of active travel and public transport as means to reduce emissions and improve local air quality.

49.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Economy, Environment & Culture that outlined the responses received to the public consultation on the Air Quality Action Plan and levels of support for the proposed series of measures to improve air quality.

49.2      Councillor Appich moved a motion to amend recommendation 2.4 as shown in bold italics below:

2.4   That the committee requests officers research further how to prioritise the development and delivery of a citywide Smoke Control Area to could help tackle the harmful effects of particulate matter in the areas where there is currently no Smoke Control Area, and that officers ensure that advice is provided to residents on the council website on how best to manage solid fuel heating where they do have it to supplement heating, including referring people to the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for a free home visit if they have concerns. 

49.3      Councillor Wilkinson formally seconded the motion.

49.4      Councillors Heley, Nemeth, Appich, Hills, O’Quinn and Lloyd asked questions and contributed to the debate of the report.

49.5      The Chair put the motion to the vote that passed.

49.6      The Chair put the recommendations as amended to the vote that were approved.

1)             That the committee welcomes the inclusion of more ambitious targets in the Air Quality Action Plan for the protection of human health, which will work towards World Health Organisation guidelines (2021).

2)             That the committee approves the 2022 Air Quality Action Plan in Appendix 2 of this report.

3)             That the committee welcomes the continued work and investment to develop an expanded Ultra-low Emission Zone for the city.

4)             That the committee requests officers research further how the development and delivery of a citywide Smoke Control Area could help tackle the harmful effects of particulate matter in the areas where there is currently no Smoke Control Area, and that officers ensure that advice is provided to residents on the council website on how best to manage solid fuel heating where they do have it to supplement heating, including referring people to the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for a free home visit if they have concerns.

5)             The committee welcomes the promotion of active travel and public transport as means to reduce emissions and improve local air quality.