Issue - meetings

The Head of Environment and the Air Quality Framework Programme Lead presented the WMCA Air Quality Framework. They reported that it would be going to WMCA Board on 10th November 2023 and provided the committee with an update, shared an immediate committee with an immediate plan and the history and aims of the framework.

The Air Quality Framework Programme Lead shared the methodology and process of developing the framework including consultation. The Head of Environment updated the committee on the implementation plan and shared how the framework would align with strategic objectives and WMCA Governance before closing with funding wins and other activity to date including funding successes and survey results.

The committee discussed concerns about the potential health risks associated with log burners and the need for stricter regulations. The success of Walsall in requiring a full assessment of the impact of log burners within permitted regulations was highlighted and raising public awareness of the dangers of log burners was also emphasised. Various strategies to improve public awareness of air quality issues, including road signs, air quality alarms for homes, and incorporating air quality information into weather forecasts were suggested.

The group discussed the environmental mitigations and their consideration within the air quality framework. The Environment Lead confirmed that a local nature recovery strategy and an appendix to the framework being developed by WSP.

It was confirmed that the Air Quality Framework and Implementation Plan would include the Overview & Scrutiny Committee within its governance structure.

Resolved:

(1)      The draft Air Quality Framework Implementation Plan for approval at the November 2023 WMCA Board be endorsed.

(2)      This paper be endorsed for presentation to the WMCA Board in November 2023.

(3)      The recommendation, made by the Transport Delivery Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Air Quality, Congestion and Environmental Impact Members Engagement Group to identify a stretch target for more ambitious air quality limits in the WMCA area than currently set out through the Environment Act 2021, was noted and supported.