Geraint Davies

We have long recognised the threat that climate change and environmental degradation poses to the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the world, including the most marginalised and vulnerable.

We share the concerns set out in the recent Save the Children report that climate and environmental threats are disrupting the education of nearly 40 million children each year and that the impacts of climate change will disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly those living in low income countries.

The UK is a global leader in girls’ education and the largest donor to Education Cannot Wait – the global fund for education in emergencies. At COP26, the UK will use our unique position as host and as a leading international donor on girls’ education to sound the alarm on the impact climate change is having on education, and advocate for the role of education in helping to tackle the crisis. This will include calling for action at both global and country levels and giving young people the opportunity to use their voices to call for the changes they think are needed. We will also be supporting Education Cannot Wait’s call for funding to ensure it can meet the needs of children in crisis.

The UK COP26 Presidency is committed to amplifying the voices of young people from across the world in the lead up to, and at, COP26 this November. I have committed to meeting with young people in every international visit over the last year and have established the COP26 Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council. At COP26, we will host a dedicated Youth & Public Empowerment Day to elevate youth voices and demonstrate the critical role of education and empowerment to drive climate action. We have been working closely with YOUNGO (the official children’s and youth constituency to the UNFCCC) to co-create the events programme for the day.

We have long recognised the threat that climate change and environmental degradation poses to the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities across the world, including the most marginalised and vulnerable.

We share the concerns set out in the recent Save the Children report that climate and environmental threats are disrupting the education of nearly 40 million children each year and that the impacts of climate change will disproportionately affect women and girls, particularly those living in low income countries.

The UK is a global leader in girls’ education and the largest donor to Education Cannot Wait – the global fund for education in emergencies. At COP26, the UK will use our unique position as host and as a leading international donor on girls’ education to sound the alarm on the impact climate change is having on education, and advocate for the role of education in helping to tackle the crisis. This will include calling for action at both global and country levels and giving young people the opportunity to use their voices to call for the changes they think are needed. We will also be supporting Education Cannot Wait’s call for funding to ensure it can meet the needs of children in crisis.

The UK COP26 Presidency is committed to amplifying the voices of young people from across the world in the lead up to, and at, COP26 this November. I have committed to meeting with young people in every international visit over the last year and have established the COP26 Civil Society and Youth Advisory Council. At COP26, we will host a dedicated Youth & Public Empowerment Day to elevate youth voices and demonstrate the critical role of education and empowerment to drive climate action. We have been working closely with YOUNGO (the official children’s and youth constituency to the UNFCCC) to co-create the events programme for the day.

By tackling the causes of climate change, we can also reduce the impacts of poor air quality on premature deaths throughout the world. Through our COP26 campaigns, we are seeking closer integration with public health objectives to facilitate a global green, healthy and sustainable recovery from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the COP26 Unit is engaging with countries on the COP26 Health Programme which supports increased ambition on climate change and health, including the relationship with air quality. The engagements also highlight the opportunity for the health sector to reduce carbon emissions in a way that also improves air quality. The government is also working with non-governmental organisations, including the World Health Organisation, to engage with health professionals internationally to advocate for stronger climate action, including addressing the health impacts from air quality.

The Cabinet Office welcomes the All-Party Group’s report and has noted its recommendations. Improving air quality is a priority for the Government. DEFRA has recently published the report of the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) on its Call for Evidence to understand more fully the impact that coronavirus is having on air pollution emissions, concentrations and exposure.

Most buildings in the UK rely solely on natural ventilation. Carbon emissions from heating and cooling is included in the UK greenhouse gas emissions national statistics~: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/provisional-uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics-2021. The Retrofit for the Future programme https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/retrofit-for-the-future-a-guide-to-making-retrofit-work compared natural ventilation with the use of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery when retrofitting buildings, but no comparative estimates of the carbon emissions was undertaken.

Most buildings in the UK rely solely on natural ventilation. Carbon emissions from heating and cooling is included in the UK greenhouse gas emissions national statistics: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/provisional-uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics-2021. The Government recently published a study on demand for cooling in UK buildings which is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cooling-in-the-uk.

The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme payments are accounted for by financial year (FY), ending 31 March. In terms of committed payments, which include actual payments made and expected payments due but not yet claimed for, our latest estimation is that committed payments for FY2020/21 are £917m and £992m for FY2021/22.

The Government intends to publish the Biomass Strategy later this year.

The Biomass Suppliers List was publicly tendered from January to February 2021. The Department received 13 expressions of interest and two tenders. Following evaluation, BEIS appointed Woodsure to administer the List for two years.

Producers and manufacturers of wood burning stoves in the UK must demonstrate compliance by following the conformity assessment procedures set out in the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling regulations, prior to placing a product on the market. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is the UK appointed market surveillance authority (MSA) responsible for ensuring manufacturers meet their obligations towards these regulations.

The Government considered the Climate Change Committee’s advice, alongside a range of relevant evidence, when setting the sixth carbon budget and to inform policy development. The Government’s Net Zero Strategy, published in October last year, sets out the Government’s vision to transition to net zero by 2050, including to grasp the health benefits from changes such as better insulated homes, cleaner air and more walking and cycling.

The Renewable Heat Incentive scheme was introduced in 2011. In 2015, the Government introduced new legislation which required all biomass boilers on the scheme to adhere to certain land and sustainability criteria. The Government has also introduced a new fuel quality standard and annual maintenance checks for biomass boilers on the scheme, in line with its 2019 Clean Air Strategy. Both requirements came into force on 01 April 2022.

The scheme is administered by Ofgem who carry out frequent audits to ensure compliance.

Domestic wood consumption was revised in July 2021 to incorporate the results of research undertaken by the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra): link here.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy compared the research findings with the existing methodology for the Digest of UK Energy Statistics and described methodological reasons that contributed to the reduction in estimated domestic wood consumption in an article published in March 2021: link here.

This is commercially sensitive information that relates to a company’s production costs and sales. It is not appropriate to provide figures of costs at this time.  Details of our support will be published in the 2021-22 BEIS Annual Report and Accounts which will be available on gov.uk.

Social media advertising spend by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is included in marketing spend data published on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/beis-spend-control-data.

Data regarding the electricity generation in megawatt-hours derived from burning wood pellets and coal at the Drax Power Station is not available.

The Government only supports biomass that complies with strict sustainability criteria. In a sustainably managed forest, there will be stands of trees each of different ages, which will be harvested in gradual sequence, and replaced, as they reach maturity. There is evidence to suggest that the overall age profile of the forest therefore remains constant, and carbon sequestration can be maintained decade after decade.

Domestic wood consumption was revised in July 2021 to incorporate the results of research undertaken by The Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The Department has no record of any media queries related to EcoDesign regulations in December 2021.

The Government is grateful to the Climate Change Committee for the wide range of advice it provides government, which is considered on an ongoing basis. In June 2021, the published impact assessment for the sixth carbon budget considered a range of relevant evidence to provide a solid basis for the government’s decision on the budget level, including the Climate Change Committee’s UK Health Expert Advisory Group’s report, ‘Sustainable Health Equity: Achieving a Net Zero UK’. The Net Zero Strategy, published in October 2021, then set out the Government’s vision for making the transition to net zero, which can bring significant benefits for physical and mental health.

Prior to placing a product on the market, manufacturers must demonstrate conformity with the implementing measures as set out in the product specific regulations. This includes a declaration of conformity and technical documentation, and can include relevant standards used to demonstrate compliance. This technical documentation must be kept by the manufacturer for a period of 10 years after production and made available to the market surveillance authority, who can conduct independent testing after the product has launched on the market.

Prior to placing a product on the market, manufacturers must demonstrate conformity with the implementing measures as set out in the product specific regulations. This includes a declaration of conformity and technical documentation, and can include relevant standards used to demonstrate compliance. This technical documentation must be kept by the manufacturer for a period of 10 years after production and made available to the market surveillance authority, who can conduct independent testing after the product has launched on the market.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) provides general guidance on ecodesign on GOV.UK. Whilst there is no published specific guidance on the new ecodesign requirements for solid fuel local space heaters, the OPSS routinely offers support to businesses with compliance and operate a well-established enquiry service.

The market surveillance authority, the Office for Product Safety and Standards routinely offers compliance support to businesses with all ecodesign and energy labelling regulations.

As of 1 January 2022, new Ecodesign regulations require that when a solid fuel local space heater (wood burning stove) is placed on the UK market, the product’s efficiency and its emissions of particulate matter, organic gaseous compounds, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides under standardised test conditions must be provided in the instruction manual for installers and end-users as well as on a free-access website.

Domestic wood consumption was revised in July 2021 to incorporate the results of research undertaken by the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra): link here.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy published an article in March 2021 to quantify the likely impact for DUKES 2021:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-trends-march-2021-special-feature-article-domestic-wood-consumption-revised-baseline.

The new Ecodesign Regulations for solid fuel local space heaters (wood burning stoves) will ensure that the worst performing and most polluting products are phased out of the market. Therefore, the Regulations will have a positive effect on the average energy efficiency of wood burning stoves on the UK market when they come into force in January 2022.

From January 2022, wood burning stoves placed on the UK market will be regulated under ecodesign legislation, meaning that products placed on the UK market must meet minimum requirements for energy efficiency, as well as limits on the emissions of gaseous compounds and particulate matter. These new measures will ensure that the worst performing and most polluting wood burning stoves are phased out of the market.

The Ecodesign Regulations require certain technical and performance information about the product to be provided in the instruction manual as well as to be made freely available on the manufacturer’s website.

Manufacturers must ensure compliance with the ecodesign requirements before placing a product on the market. The market surveillance authority, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) undertake a programme of market surveillance that is risk-based and proportionate whilst operating under The Regulators Code.

The OPSS have engaged with stakeholders to raise awareness of the new ecodesign requirements taking effect in January 2022, and routinely offer support with compliance.

From January 2022, wood burning stoves placed on the UK market will be regulated under ecodesign legislation, meaning that products placed on the UK market must meet minimum requirements for energy efficiency, as well as limits on the emissions of gaseous compounds and particulate matter. These new measures will ensure that the worst performing and most polluting wood burning stoves are phased out of the market.

The Ecodesign Regulations require certain technical and performance information about the product to be provided in the instruction manual as well as to be made freely available on the manufacturer’s website.

Manufacturers must ensure compliance with the ecodesign requirements before placing a product on the market. The market surveillance authority, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) undertake a programme of market surveillance that is risk-based and proportionate whilst operating under The Regulators Code.

The OPSS have engaged with stakeholders to raise awareness of the new ecodesign requirements taking effect in January 2022, and routinely offer support with compliance.

From January 2022, wood burning stoves placed on the UK market will be regulated under ecodesign legislation, meaning that products placed on the UK market must meet minimum requirements for energy efficiency, as well as limits on the emissions of gaseous compounds and particulate matter. These new measures will ensure that the worst performing and most polluting wood burning stoves are phased out of the market.

The Ecodesign Regulations require certain technical and performance information about the product to be provided in the instruction manual as well as to be made freely available on the manufacturer’s website.

Manufacturers must ensure compliance with the ecodesign requirements before placing a product on the market. The market surveillance authority, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) undertake a programme of market surveillance that is risk-based and proportionate whilst operating under The Regulators Code.

The OPSS have engaged with stakeholders to raise awareness of the new ecodesign requirements taking effect in January 2022, and routinely offer support with compliance.

Sustainability in relation to wood burning for domestic appliances varies depending on the appliance. The sustainability requirement for fuel used in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which support biomass boilers and pellet stoves used for heating and hot water for domestic properties, includes a greenhouse gas emissions limit and specific land criteria. These requirements are set out in the RHI regulations through the obligation for ‘approved sustainable fuel’ to be used in domestic RHI accredited installations. There is no specific sustainability requirement for fuel for other domestic appliances such as traditional open fires or wood burning stoves.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 10th December 2021 to Question 88605.

Sustainably sourced domestic wood burning does count towards our broader carbon reduction goals.

We are grateful to the Climate Change Committee for the wide range of advice it provides government, which is discussed on an ongoing basis. The published impact assessment for the sixth carbon budget considered a range of relevant evidence to provide a solid basis for the government’s decision on the budget level, including the advice of the Climate Change Committee.

In the period leading up to the publication of the Net Zero Strategy, there were numerous cross-government discussions, including on air quality, reflecting the contribution that every sector of the UK economy needs to make to climate change mitigation.

As set out in the Strategy, as a principle of the transition to net zero the Government will pursue options that leave the environment in a better state for the next generation by improving biodiversity, air quality, water quality, natural capital, and resilience to climate change where appropriate.

Air quality policy is led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Government has been ensuring that science and research for climate action is part of our work towards a high ambition outcome at COP26. As such, the UK Presidency has been working closely with universities and academics all over the world, including the COP26 Universities Network (over 80 Universities across the UK) to mobilise research and academic knowledge in support of the COP26 Goals. The Government welcomes the great work they are doing to bring research to governments and the public, and to support action on climate change.

The Government agrees with the broad aims of the Local Electricity Bill but does not support it as the means to enable local energy supply. There are already mechanisms in the market to allow local supply. The current Ofgem regulatory regime allows for a company to supply a specific geographic area, and small-scale generators can also apply for a licence exemption in some cases to reduce the regulatory burdens of operating at a community level.

The Government are supporting community energy projects through the Rural Community Energy Fund and the Government will work with Ofgem to ensure that local communities can play their role in delivering Net Zero and a Green Recovery.

The University of Oxford / Astra Zeneca Phase 3 trial includes branches that specifically looks at safety and efficacy of the vaccine in those aged between 56 – 69 and over 70. For these groups, researchers are assessing the immune response to the vaccine in people of different ages, to find out if there is variation in how well the immune system responds in older people. Other vaccine developers that the Government are working with may also decide to include specific groups such as these in their trials.

In addition to the work that vaccine developers are undertaking, the Government has funded the NHS Registry, developed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). This national registry is encouraging people who may be disproportionately affected by COVD19, such as older people, older people with underlying health conditions and people from different ethnic groups, to volunteer for clinical trials. This includes supporting the development of communications materials to provide information on taking part in COVID 19 vaccine trials via the NIHR website (Be Part of Research). These have been translated into other languages, including Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Hindi and Bengali in order to reach the wider Asian community.

The Government also has a proactive communications programme aimed at the above-mentioned groups, to encourage greater sign up to the registry.

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy regularly speaks to my Rt. Hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office about a range of policy issues, including the UK’s potential association with Horizon Europe.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, has provided research funding for programmes looking into the factors that contribute to the severity of Covid-19 cases. This includes £4.9m funding to the ISARIC consortium for research and provision of real time information into the factors, including existing respiratory conditions, that put people most at risk of developing severe hospitalised illness as a result of Covid-19; and £1m to OpenSAFELY, a secure platform linking the primary care NHS records of 24 million patients, which is able to identify patients at higher risk of admission, ventilation and death from Covid-19.

UKRI’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) provides a national capability in air pollution research that underpins ongoing evaluations of the potential relationship between long-term air pollution exposure, respiratory conditions and COVID-19 symptoms and mortality. UKRI has also funded or repurposed at least 12 research projects studying the links between Covid-19 and air quality.

Through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Department of Health and Social Care funds 14 Health Protection Research Units (HPRUs), which are research partnerships between universities and Public Health England (PHE). One of these Units, the NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health based at Imperial College London, undertakes research on the health effects associated with exposure to a range of environmental pollutants. This includes research to investigate possible links between air pollution and COVID-19. Further information on projects on COVID-19 that are underway at the Unit can be found here: https://eeh.hpru.nihr.ac.uk/covid-19-projects/.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, has provided research funding for programmes looking into the factors that contribute to the severity of Covid-19 cases. This includes £4.9m funding to the ISARIC consortium for research and provision of real time information into the factors, including existing respiratory conditions, that put people most at risk of developing severe hospitalised illness as a result of Covid-19; and £1m to OpenSAFELY, a secure platform linking the primary care NHS records of 24 million patients, which is able to identify patients at higher risk of admission, ventilation and death from Covid-19.

UKRI’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) provides a national capability in air pollution research that underpins ongoing evaluations of the potential relationship between long-term air pollution exposure, respiratory conditions and COVID-19 symptoms and mortality. UKRI has also funded or repurposed at least 12 research projects studying the links between Covid-19 and air quality.

Through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Department of Health and Social Care funds 14 Health Protection Research Units (HPRUs), which are research partnerships between universities and Public Health England (PHE). One of these Units, the NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health based at Imperial College London, undertakes research on the health effects associated with exposure to a range of environmental pollutants. This includes research to investigate possible links between air pollution and COVID-19. Further information on projects on COVID-19 that are underway at the Unit can be found here: https://eeh.hpru.nihr.ac.uk/covid-19-projects/.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave the Hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood on 7th September 2020 to Question 77719.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards is a departmental office within the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. We do not publish minutes of internal policy development meetings.

The Government published its response to the Environmental Audit Committee's Twentieth Report of Session 2017–19 on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life (EAC) on 16 September 2019. It committed to reviewing the scope of the furniture and fire safety regs including baby and children’s products.

The Government consulted in 2014 and 2016 on amending the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. The Government published a response to the 2016 consultation on 18 July 2019.

There are no plans to publish a review of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. In its response to the 2016 consultation the Government announced that it will now develop a new approach to the regulations which is based on essential safety requirements to bring the regulations in line with modern product safety legislation.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is appointed by government as the UK’s National Standards Body. Standards are voluntary and BSI is independent from government. The BSI are responsible for ensuring their standards committees are balanced and broadly represent the views of all interested stakeholders. This is formally set out in the British Standard, “BS 0: A standard for standards: principles of standardization”. Section 7 of this standard makes it clear that “committee membership is at the discretion of BSI”.

The Government announced in July 2019 that it would developing a new approach to the Furniture and Fire Safety Regulations and it will seek appropriate expert advice to inform the policy development.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is appointed by government as the UK’s National Standards Body. Standards are voluntary and BSI is independent from government. The BSI are responsible for ensuring their standards committees are balanced and broadly represent the views of all interested stakeholders. This is formally set out in the British Standard, “BS 0: A standard for standards: principles of standardization”. Section 7 of this standard makes it clear that “committee membership is at the discretion of BSI”.

The Government announced in July 2019 that it would developing a new approach to the Furniture and Fire Safety Regulations and it will seek appropriate expert advice to inform the policy development.

The Government published its response to the Environmental Audit Committee's Twentieth Report of Session 2017–19 on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life (EAC) on the 16 September 2019. It committed to reviewing the scope of the furniture and fire safety regs including baby and children’s products. This remains the case.

We will consider all available evidence including that which was submitted to the EAC and we will source a wide range of expertise in consultation with Chief Scientific Advisor.

The Department’s contractor for provision of project management for the maintenance of Strategic Environmental Assessments, Hartley Anderson Ltd, commissioned the National Physical Laboratory for this project. Funding for financial year 2019-2020 totalled £221,000 (excl. VAT), which includes third party costs for munition manufacture and experimental site hire.

The funding allocated to this project to date in financial year 2020-2021 is £7,500 (excl. VAT).

The Government is investing a total of £2.5 billion to support consumers to make the transition to zero emission vehicles. We have no current plans to introduce a scrappage scheme.

As part of its ongoing work to support and promote the more widespread adoption of flexible working, Government has commissioned a programme of research. The results will be published in due course.

Since Covid-19 measures were introduced there have been high proportions of people working from home with many businesses rapidly adapting to remote working, using new technology and finding new ways of working. As we move beyond the current situation, and the economy begins to reopen, we are very keen to do more to promote flexible working in all its forms. In our manifesto we said that, subject to consultation, we would introduce measures to make flexible working the default.

As we recover from COVID-19, the Government intends to deliver a UK economy which is stronger, cleaner, more sustainable and more resilient. This includes ensuring we improve air quality while cutting emissions, for example through more building UK supply chains in low carbon transport.

During the autumn term, we provided over 350,000 CO2 monitors to all state-funded education providers, including early years, schools and further education colleges, backed by £25 million in government funding. Feedback suggests that schools are finding the monitors helpful to manage ventilation and, in the majority of providers, existing ventilation measures are sufficient.

Where an area of poor ventilation has been identified that cannot be resolved through simple measures such as opening doors and windows, schools are advised to explore what remedial works may be required to improve ventilation. Where it is not possible to maintain adequate ventilation, it may be appropriate to consider the use of an air cleaning unit while the underlying ventilation issue is addressed.

When used properly, air cleaning units can help reduce airborne contaminants in a poorly ventilated space, including viruses like COVID-19. Air cleaning units are not a substitute for ventilation and should never be used as a reason to reduce ventilation. They are not necessary in spaces that are adequately ventilated.

The department’s decision to make up to 8,000 air cleaning units available for poorly ventilated spaces in education and care institutions has been informed by advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and external consultation with specialists. The academic paper on portable air cleaners referenced is part of a wider body of scientific literature considered by the department, including: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/939173/S0867_EMG_Potential_application_of_air_cleaning_devices_and_personal_decontamination_to_manage_transmission_of_COVID-19.pdf. The department will continue to develop its policy and guidance on ventilation in line with the latest scientific advice and in consultation with industry wide experts.

Deliveries of air cleaning units will start from this week to special educational needs and disabilities and alternative provision providers. These were allocated in the first application round announced in November for special and alternative provision . The second round of applications is open until 9am on 17 January. All state funded schools (primary and secondary), further education colleges and nurseries can apply.  Special and alternative provision providers that were not successful or did not apply in the first round are also eligible to apply in this round. Once applications have closed, all applications will be assessed against strict criteria and allocated to providers based on need. Providers with successful applications will be contacted individually to arrange delivery, with deliveries expected from February 2022.

For those providers that are not eligible for funded units, the online marketplace provides a route to purchasing air cleaning units directly from suppliers at a suitable specification and competitive price. The marketplace is available to view here: https://s107t01-webapp-v2-01.azurewebsites.net/list/air-cleaning.

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we have emphasised the importance of ventilation and provided guidance to providers on ventilation requirements. In addition to our existing guidance on ventilation we have provided schools, colleges and nurseries with guidance on how to use the air cleaning units as well as how to order a unit via the marketplace. The application process has been communicated to providers via our Daily Bulletin and we continue to support schools, colleges and nurseries with their queries via the department’s Coronavirus Helpline.

During the autumn term, we provided over 350,000 CO2 monitors to all state-funded education providers, including early years, schools and further education colleges, backed by £25 million in government funding. Feedback suggests that schools are finding the monitors helpful to manage ventilation and, in the majority of providers, existing ventilation measures are sufficient.

Where an area of poor ventilation has been identified that cannot be resolved through simple measures such as opening doors and windows, schools are advised to explore what remedial works may be required to improve ventilation. Where it is not possible to maintain adequate ventilation, it may be appropriate to consider the use of an air cleaning unit while the underlying ventilation issue is addressed.

When used properly, air cleaning units can help reduce airborne contaminants in a poorly ventilated space, including viruses like COVID-19. Air cleaning units are not a substitute for ventilation and should never be used as a reason to reduce ventilation. They are not necessary in spaces that are adequately ventilated.

The department’s decision to make up to 8,000 air cleaning units available for poorly ventilated spaces in education and care institutions has been informed by advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and external consultation with specialists. The academic paper on portable air cleaners referenced is part of a wider body of scientific literature considered by the department, including: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/939173/S0867_EMG_Potential_application_of_air_cleaning_devices_and_personal_decontamination_to_manage_transmission_of_COVID-19.pdf. The department will continue to develop its policy and guidance on ventilation in line with the latest scientific advice and in consultation with industry wide experts.

Deliveries of air cleaning units will start from this week to special educational needs and disabilities and alternative provision providers. These were allocated in the first application round announced in November for special and alternative provision . The second round of applications is open until 9am on 17 January. All state funded schools (primary and secondary), further education colleges and nurseries can apply.  Special and alternative provision providers that were not successful or did not apply in the first round are also eligible to apply in this round. Once applications have closed, all applications will be assessed against strict criteria and allocated to providers based on need. Providers with successful applications will be contacted individually to arrange delivery, with deliveries expected from February 2022.

For those providers that are not eligible for funded units, the online marketplace provides a route to purchasing air cleaning units directly from suppliers at a suitable specification and competitive price. The marketplace is available to view here: https://s107t01-webapp-v2-01.azurewebsites.net/list/air-cleaning.

Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we have emphasised the importance of ventilation and provided guidance to providers on ventilation requirements. In addition to our existing guidance on ventilation we have provided schools, colleges and nurseries with guidance on how to use the air cleaning units as well as how to order a unit via the marketplace. The application process has been communicated to providers via our Daily Bulletin and we continue to support schools, colleges and nurseries with their queries via the department’s Coronavirus Helpline.

A free online training course focusing on best practice tutoring is available to all school staff who are nominated as tutors by their school leaders. The training is mandatory for any staff who do not hold Qualified Teacher Status.

The curriculum covers core topics including how to adapt tutoring for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

When selecting tuition partners for the current academic year, the programme is inviting applications from providers with relevant experience in working with children with SEND in both mainstream and specialist settings, so that as many pupils as possible can be supported. In total, 26 of the current 41 tuition partners specialise in supporting students with SEND, with more providers being asked to apply as part of the second round of applications. We will be looking to accredit more tuition partners with special needs expertise throughout this year.

Additional weighting has been applied to the funding of special schools and units in recognition of the higher per pupil costs they face for tutoring. For these schools, the department has estimated that a 15 hour package of tuition will cost £705 per pupil, which averages £47 per hour per pupil. The department will subsidise 75% of this, with special schools and units funding the remaining 25% through other budgets.

The primary identifiers for education are the unique pupil number for school aged pupils and the unique learner number for post-16 and adult education. These identifiers are developed to provide operational and analytical linkage between departments, and sector facing services, and are essential for delivery of policy and operational analysis both within the department and the wider sector.

However, the department is continually analysing the effectiveness of its unique identifiers for stages in education and will work with colleagues across government, including from the Department of Health and Social Care, on improving the effectiveness of how identifiers contribute to the broader interoperability of data across our shared domains and the life events of citizens. This will include consideration of the merits of greater use of the NHS number as an identifier for children.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) Awareness Day on 15 October 2021 is an important opportunity to raise awareness of DLD. It is key that schools are aware of how to best support pupils diagnosed with DLD.

The department will be highlighting Developmental Language Disorder Awareness Day to schools through its communication routes and encouraging settings to draw on best practice to support pupils with DLD.

The Government is committed to helping children and young people recover education lost as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

In June 2020, the Department announced a catch-up package worth £1 billion, including a ‘Catch Up Premium’ worth a total of £650 million to support schools to make up for lost teaching time and £350 million for the National Tutoring Programme.

In January 2021, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, also committed a further £300 million for tutoring and to engage with parents, pupils and teachers to develop and deliver a plan to help all pupils catch up over the course of this Parliament.

To support the Government with this, the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, have appointed Sir Kevan Collins as the Education Recovery Commissioner. Sir Kevan will advise ministers on the best approach for education recovery, with a particular focus on helping all pupils catch up on learning lost as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

We know that one size does not fit all and will be looking at how interventions can address the individual needs of pupils, including those with speech, language and communication needs.

We will set out more detailed plans in due course.

Spending on speech and language therapy is determined at a local level.

We do not prescribe in detail how local authorities should allocate their high needs funding, but local authorities and schools have statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014 to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those who require speech and language therapies.

The department remains committed to continuous improvement. The cross-government SEND Review was announced in September 2019 and is looking at ways to make sure the SEND system is consistent, high quality, and integrated across education, health, and care. It is also considering measures to make sure that money is being spent fairly, efficiently, and effectively, and that the support available to children and young people is sustainable in the future.

The SEND Review is looking at ways to support mainstream settings to identify and get support to children and young people more quickly, through making best use of precious expertise such as speech and language therapists and educational psychologists. These issues are long-standing and complex, but the government is determined to deliver real, lasting change. We intend to publish the SEND Review in spring 2021.

The Mental Health in Education Action Group will look at the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and staff in nurseries, schools, colleges, and universities. It will consider how to support mental wellbeing while children and young people are being taught remotely, as they return to education settings and with transitions period between education settings in September 2021.

In the first instance we will engage with health experts to bring together the evidence of impact on children and young people, identify the existing range of support and how to make sure it is easy to access and has the greatest possible impact. The department will also engage with education stakeholders, including staff and leadership unions, to ensure that we understand the issues that are facing staff in nurseries, schools, colleges, and universities and how those can be supported in the coming months. We will also work with the existing higher education task force to ensure that the issues it is considering around mental health are reflected. Further information about the remit of the group will be available in due course, but it will look at the specific mental health and wellbeing issues faced by children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including children with speech, language and communication needs.

The SEND Review was announced in September 2019 and is looking at ways to make sure the SEND system is consistent, high quality, and integrated across education, health, and care. It is also considering measures to make sure that money is being spent fairly, efficiently, and effectively, and that the support available to children and young people is sustainable in the future. The SEND Review is looking at ways to support mainstream settings to identify and get support to children and young people more quickly, through making best use of precious expertise such as speech and language therapists and educational psychologists. These issues are long-standing and complex, but the government is determined to deliver real, lasting change. We intend to publish the SEND Review in spring 2021.

On the 4 February 2021, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, appointed Dr Alex George as Youth Mental Health Ambassador to advise the government and raise the profile of mental health education and wellbeing in schools, colleges, and universities. As Youth Mental Health Ambassador, he will use his clinical expertise and personal experience to champion the government’s work on children’s and young people’s mental health, and help shape policy on improving support for young people in schools, colleges, and universities.

The design and construction standards for new school buildings are under regular review to reflect any changes in regulations or best practice nationally. There are no plans at present to update Building Bulletin 101 'Guidelines on ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality in schools' which was published in 2019.

We published guidance on 3 June on the reopening of buildings and campuses to help providers make informed decisions about their provision in ways that protect the health and well-being of both staff and students. Our guidance contains links to other sources of relevant advice, including on safer workplaces: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19, which includes references to the importance of ventilation, particularly in advance of reopening buildings.

In 2020-21, we are allocating £7.2 billion in high needs funding across England for children with complex special educational needs and disabilities, which includes those with speech, language and communication needs.

Specifically, in response to COVID-19, we are introducing an additional catch-up premium worth a total of £650 million to support schools to rise to make up for lost teaching time. Our expectation is that this funding will be spent on the additional activities required to support children to catch up after a period of disruption to their education. Headteachers will decide how the universal catch up premium is spent to best meet the needs of their pupils. The Education Endowment Foundation has published guidance on effective interventions to support schools:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/covid-19-resources/covid-19-support-guide-for-schools/.

We will set out how this funding will be distributed between individual schools shortly.

Local authorities’ core allocations to support children with high needs in 2021-22 will also be published shortly.

In 2020-21, we are allocating £7.2 billion in high needs funding across England for children with complex special educational needs and disabilities, which includes those with speech, language and communication needs.

Specifically, in response to COVID-19, we are introducing an additional catch-up premium worth a total of £650 million to support schools to rise to make up for lost teaching time. Our expectation is that this funding will be spent on the additional activities required to support children to catch up after a period of disruption to their education. Headteachers will decide how the universal catch up premium is spent to best meet the needs of their pupils. The Education Endowment Foundation has published guidance on effective interventions to support schools:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/covid-19-resources/covid-19-support-guide-for-schools/.

We will set out how this funding will be distributed between individual schools shortly.

Local authorities’ core allocations to support children with high needs in 2021-22 will also be published shortly.

Supporting the most vulnerable children and young people, including those with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), is a priority for us, especially at this time. Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, educational settings have been asked to ensure that vulnerable children and young people can attend where appropriate.

Local authorities are responsible for their own strategic planning and have statutory requirements to offer SLCN provision where a child or young person requires it as part of their education, health and care (EHC) plan. Since May, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, it has been necessary to modify the duty on local authorities and health commissioners so that they could use their ‘reasonable endeavours’ to secure or arrange the specified special educational and health care provision in EHC plans. However, we are committed to removing these flexibilities as soon as possible and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has confirmed that, unless the evidence changes, he will not be issuing further national notices to modify this duty.

We have also been working to support early language and communication development specifically. Since 2018, we have committed more than £60 million to programmes to improve early language and literacy. We will work with the sector to explore how best to continue to support children’s early development, including through the Early Years Foundation Stage reforms and the department’s Hungry Little Minds campaign, which we will continue to use to provide support for parents to develop their children’s early language and literacy.

More widely, we are ensuring that resources are available. We have announced a package worth £1 billion to ensure that schools across England have the resources they need to help all pupils make up for lost teaching time, with extra support for those who need it most. £650 million will be spent on ensuring all pupils have the chance to catch up and supporting schools to rise to the challenge. For pupils with complex needs, we strongly encourage schools to spend this funding on catch-up support to address their individual needs, which could include speech and language therapy where appropriate. We will set out how this funding will be distributed between individual schools shortly.

We will also roll out a National Tutoring Programme, worth up to £350 million, which will deliver one-to-one tuition to the most disadvantaged young people. More details are available here:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/covid-19-resources/national-tutoring-programme/.

We are providing the Oak National Academy with an additional £4.3 million to produce another 10,000 lessons over the course of the next academic year. This includes for the Oak National Academy's specialist curriculum, which includes speech and language therapy.

Local authorities are responsible for the mitigation of air pollution hot spots in areas where people may be exposed, including schools. They have discretionary powers to take action to improve local air quality. For example, they can issue fixed penalty notices to drivers leaving engines running unnecessarily after being asked to turn them off. In areas with poor air quality, local authorities have a statutory duty to publish air quality plans for reducing air pollution.

Local authorities also have a statutory duty to promote sustainable school travel. The department’s guidance sets out that this duty should have a broad impact, including improvements in air quality to which children are particularly vulnerable.

Government advice, particularly during the COVID-19 outbreak, is to walk or cycle to school where possible. The Department for Transport’s cycling and walking investment strategy sets out the government’s ambition to make cycling and walking the natural choice for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey. Details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycling-and-walking-investment-strategy.

On 9 May the Department for Transport announced a £2 billion package to promote cycling and walking:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/2-billion-package-to-create-new-era-for-cycling-and-walking.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide free home to school transport for eligible children. A child is eligible if they are of compulsory school age, attend their nearest suitable school and it is more than the statutory walking distance from their home. The statutory walking distance is 2 miles for children under the age of 8 and 3 miles for children aged 8 and over. A child is also eligible if they live within the statutory walking distance but could not reasonably be expected to walk to school because of their special educational needs, disability or mobility problems, or because the nature of the route means it would be unsafe for them to do so.

There are additional entitlements to free home to school transport for those children who are eligible for free school meals, or if a parent they live with receives the maximum amount of Working Tax Credit. These are known as extended rights and are intended to support low income families in exercising school choice.

It is for local authorities to decide how they will provide free transport for eligible children depending on local circumstances. They might, for example, provide a pass for free travel on a service bus, or they might provide a dedicated school bus or a taxi to transport children.

Local authorities have a statutory duty to promote sustainable school travel. The Department’s guidance sets out that this duty should have a broad impact, including providing health benefits for children, and their families, through active journeys, such as walking and cycling; as well as improvements in air quality to which children are particularly vulnerable.

Government advice, particularly during the COVID-19 outbreak, is to walk or cycle to school where possible. This will not only help reduce the spread of infection and reduce demand on public transport, but also have enormous benefits for children’s health.

The Department for Transport’s cycling and walking investment strategy sets out the Government’s ambition to make cycling and walking the natural choice for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey. Details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cycling-and-walking-investment-strategy.

On 9 May the Department for Transport announced a £2 billion package to create new era for cycling and walking: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/2-billion-package-to-create-new-era-for-cycling-and-walking.

Outdoor air quality and road traffic restrictions are the responsibility of local authorities. Where there are concerns about air quality the local authority must prepare an air quality action plan.

We are not aware of any recommendations to the Department on the impact of the School Streets Initiative on healthier educational environments. The Department published guidance (Building Bulletin 101) on achieving good indoor air quality in new and refurbished schools in 2019.

As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, made clear when he spoke at the daily press briefing on 19 June, the Department is working towards bringing all children and young people back to school in September. We have published further information and guidance to help schools prepare for September. The guidance is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools.

Outdoor air quality and road traffic restrictions are the responsibility of local authorities. Where there are concerns about air quality the local authority must prepare an air quality action plan.

We are not aware of any recommendations to the Department on the impact of the School Streets Initiative on healthier educational environments. The Department published guidance (Building Bulletin 101) on achieving good indoor air quality in new and refurbished schools in 2019.

As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, made clear when he spoke at the daily press briefing on 19 June, the Department is working towards bringing all children and young people back to school in September. We have published further information and guidance to help schools prepare for September. The guidance is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools.

The data issues at Marylebone Road during the pollution episode that peaked on Friday 14 January were caused by the replacement of older equipment where a data communication error occurred that was not immediately identified. This error was preventing data flowing from the new instruments onto UK-air. This error was identified on 17 January and remedied on the same day. Data for PM2.5 and PM10 at the site can be viewed at: Data Selector Tool - Defra, UK

UK-Air has been improved within the last 12 months to show data communications from Environment Agency managed contractors. This data now shows ‘live site code’ where live reasons for downtime are now available on the interactive map:

Interactive monitoring networks map - Defra, UK

Emissions of key air pollutants are compiled and reported by Defra on an annual basis through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI). The data for 2020 is publicly available and was reported on 14 February 2022, via:

https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/.

Following recent improvement work, estimates of emissions from bonfires, chimeneas and fire pits are now included in the inventory as part of the ‘small-scale waste burning’ category. Details of the methodology used to estimate these emissions can be accessed in our Informative Inventory Report, via:

https://naei.beis.gov.uk/reports/reports?report_id=1071

Emissions specifically from pizza ovens are not estimated in the inventory.

Emissions of key air pollutants are compiled and reported by Defra on an annual basis through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI). The data for 2020 is publicly available and was reported on 14 February 2022, via:

https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/.

Emission estimates for domestic combustion in 2020 include emissions from the following fuels burned in domestic appliances; Anthracite, Burning oil, Charcoal, Coal, Gas oil, LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas), Natural gas, Peat, Petroleum coke, SSF (Solid Smokeless Fuels) and Wood.

Details of the methodology used to estimate these emissions can be accessed in our Informative Inventory Report, via:

https://naei.beis.gov.uk/reports/reports?report_id=1071

The awarding of Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) monitoring contracts are undertaken by the Environment Agency on behalf of Defra. The technical specifications which formed part of the invitation to tender for the AURN Central Management and Coordination Unit contracts were designed to ensure that any successful service provider had the required experience of data collection, data management and data dissemination to operate the networks.

To specifically ensure that any interruption in real-time data publication (which included PM10 and PM2.5) was kept to an absolute minimum in the event of a new service provider taking over operations, specific requirements were included in the contract’s ‘Critical Handover Requirements’ on real time data dissemination. For example, for the AURN there was a requirement for the service provider to demonstrate that they were able to successfully collect and disseminate 90% of the live data for the network sites they were awarded during the handover period prior to contract start. The handover period started 3 months prior to the start of the contract on the 01/10/21.

The main contract service provider for the AURN did not change, however the subsection of AURN sites in London did change service provider and no significant impact on real-time data publication of PM2.5 and PM10 occurred.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM_2.5 in the UK.

Analysis is ongoing and results for 2020 are yet to be published. Results for 2019 are available here:

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/assets/documents/reports/cat09/2102111100_2019_PCM_technical_report.pdf

I refer to my response to PQ 102540. The steering group is developing the work programme and milestones will be clarified in due course.

The awarding of Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) monitoring contracts are undertaken by the Environment Agency on behalf of Defra. Both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 measurements form part of the AURN and the Automatic London Network. These contracts were competitively retendered, together with the ‘Central Management and Co-Ordination Unit’ and ‘Quality Assurance and Quality Control roles’ as a single tender and awarded as separate lots on 01/10/2021 for three years.

Details of the organisations awarded are provided below and can be obtained from the Government’s Contracts Finder at Search results - Contracts Finder.

1. Lot 1 Bureau Veritas UK Ltd - Automatic Urban and Rural Network Management (Central Management and Co-Ordination Unit (CMCU)) – Management of National AURN sites (Lot 1)
2. Lot 2 - Ricardo AEA Ltd - Automatic Urban and Rural Network Management (AURN) Lot 2 Quality Assurance and Quality Control of National AURN sites (QAQC of LOT 1 sites)
3. Lot 3 - Bureau Veritas UK Ltd - Automatic London Network (ALN) Central Management and Co-Ordination Unit (CMCU) for London and South East affiliated sites (Lot 3)
4. Lot 4 - National Physical Laboratory - Automatic Urban and Rural Network Management (Lot 4 - AURN - Quality Assurance and Quality Control of 16 ALN sites (QAQC of LOT 3 sites)
5. Lot 5 - Ricardo AEA Ltd - Lot 5 Ozone Audits only (6 monthly audit work)

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 18 March 2022, PQ UIN 137953.

Pollution from large food, drink and milk manufacturers in England and Wales is controlled through the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, which requires operators to have an environmental permit and use best available techniques (BAT) to reduce emissions to air, water, and land. In England, the Environment Agency performs regular audits to ensure compliance with emission requirements set in the permit.

The Food, Drink and Milk BAT Conclusions set out the abatement technologies and methods operators should put in place, as well as emissions limits. They were reviewed in December 2019 to set stricter emissions standards. Existing permits are currently being reviewed to ensure compliance with the new standards.

The emission levels presented in the infographic on page 58 of the Clean Air Strategy were derived from emission factors in the EMEP 2016 Guidebook. The EMEP Guidebook was updated in 2019 and can be accessed via:

https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/emep-eea-guidebook-2019

We have not made an assessment of the October 2021 Which? survey on wood burning stoves.

There have been 35 breaches of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics by Defra (24) and associated bodies (11) since January 2009. The most common reasons for breaches of the Code have been timing (i.e. publications not released at 9.30am) and pre-release access (i.e. publication shared with ineligible individuals before publication).

The Head of Profession for Statistics is responsible for the release and content of statistics in the Department. All breaches are individually reviewed and reported to the UK Statistics Authority, including the impact of the breach and corrective actions to prevent re-occurrence. Details of Defra group breaches can be found at:

Defra group breaches of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There have been 35 breaches of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics by Defra (24) and associated bodies (11) since January 2009. The most common reasons for breaches of the Code have been timing (i.e. publications not released at 9.30am) and pre-release access (i.e. publication shared with ineligible individuals before publication).

The Head of Profession for Statistics is responsible for the release and content of statistics in the Department. All breaches are individually reviewed and reported to the UK Statistics Authority, including the impact of the breach and corrective actions to prevent re-occurrence. Details of Defra group breaches can be found at:

Defra group breaches of the Code of Practice for Official Statistics - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM₁₀) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM₁₀ in the UK.

Analysis is ongoing and results for 2020 are yet to be published. Results for 2019 are available here:

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/assets/documents/reports/cat09/2102111100_2019_PCM_technical_report.pdf

Defra does not set legal maintenance requirements for solid fuel appliances; however, we do encourage homeowners/occupiers to carry out regular maintenance of wood-burning stoves and open fireplaces. We also encourage those that use solid fuel appliances to have their chimneys swept on a regular basis, our recommendation is at least once a year.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 impose a legal requirement on landlords of domestic premises to maintain all gas appliances provided for use by tenants in a safe condition. This legislation falls within the regulatory remit of the Health and Safety Executive. There are no legal maintenance requirements for gas appliances in owner-occupied domestic premises, but it is strongly advised that all gas appliances are regularly maintained and serviced at least annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Information on both the current and forecast air pollution levels is disseminated to the public in near real-time (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/). This includes summary forecasts, measurements and health advice. When the forecast shows high air pollution, information is actively shared via social media and cascaded through a network of stakeholders including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and health charities. Defra’s communications and media teams routinely engage with national and local media outlets to convey information on air pollution episodes and actions the public may take.

Defra, UKHSA and the Department of Health and Social Care have launched a comprehensive review into the way that we communicate air quality information.

Information on both the current and forecast air pollution levels is disseminated to the public in near real-time (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/). This includes summary forecasts, measurements and health advice. When the forecast shows high air pollution, information is actively shared via social media and cascaded through a network of stakeholders including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and health charities. Defra’s communications and media teams routinely engage with national and local media outlets to convey information on air pollution episodes and actions the public may take.

Defra, UKHSA and the Department of Health and Social Care have launched a comprehensive review into the way that we communicate air quality information.

Information on both the current and forecast air pollution levels is disseminated to the public in near real-time (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/). This includes summary forecasts, measurements and health advice. When the forecast shows high air pollution, information is actively shared via social media and cascaded through a network of stakeholders including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and health charities. Defra’s communications and media teams routinely engage with national and local media outlets to convey information on air pollution episodes and actions the public may take.

Defra, UKHSA and the Department of Health and Social Care have launched a comprehensive review into the way that we communicate air quality information.

Following confirmation of notifiable avian influenza in poultry or other captive birds, disease control zones are put in place surrounding the infected premises. Within these disease control zones, a range of controls are in place to prevent the spread of disease, including restrictions on the movement of poultry and other captive birds (including kept gamebirds), carcases, eggs, used poultry litter and manure. Definitive requirements are set out in the declaration published on GOV.UK for each disease control zone. Keepers can check where disease control zones are located in GB and if they are in zone on the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) interactive map.

The release of gamebirds in avian influenza disease control zones is prohibited, no licenses permitting this activity can be granted.

Guidance for gamebird keepers on avian influenza has been prepared by game shooting, research and game conservation bodies and is endorsed by Defra, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and DAERA in Northern Ireland and is available via the Game Farmers Association website.

We set out our plans to reduce ammonia emissions, including from the agricultural sector, in the Clean Air Strategy published in 2019.

The Government's Clean Air Strategy and National Air Quality Strategy are complementary. The Clean Air Strategy sets out national measures for reducing emissions of five key pollutants to meet statutory emissions ceilings. The Air Quality Strategy 2007 sets out policies with respect to the assessment or management of air quality and which includes standards and objectives for local air quality. Together these strategies aim to tackle air pollution to protect people's health and reduce harmful effects on the environment

In line with commitments in the Environment Act 2021, Government is reviewing the National Air Quality Strategy and will publish a revised Strategy in 2023. A key objective will be improving local authority capability to target action to reduce health disparities from air pollution and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups. The revised Strategy will take our new air quality targets, to be set under the Environment Act 2021, into account.

We are currently aiming for public consultations to take place a) for the National Air Quality Strategy in Autumn 2022, b) for the revised National Air Pollution Control Programme in Spring-Summer 2022 and d) for the changes to the Local Air Quality Management framework in Spring-Summer 2022. The consultation related to the air quality targets set under the Environment Act 2021 has already been published.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, Defra reacted promptly to the emerging situation by working with the Air Quality Expert Group on a rapid call for evidence leading to a report assessing the impact of the first lockdown on air pollutant emissions and concentrations in the UK. The report is available at https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports.php?report_id=1005.

The emissions data for 2020 and historic years going back to 1970 were published on 14^th February 2022.

Defra also published projections on 15^th March 2021 which estimated the impact of Covid-19 on emissions. The data and assumptions used in this modelling can be found in the Informative Inventory Report (IIR), published at https://naei.beis.gov.uk/reports/reports?report_id=1024.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown, Defra reacted promptly to the emerging situation by working with the Air Quality Expert Group on a rapid call for evidence leading to a report assessing the impact of the first lockdown on air pollutant emissions and concentrations in the UK. The report is available at https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports.php?report_id=1005.

The emissions data for 2020 and historic years going back to 1970 were published on 14^th February 2022.

Defra also published projections on 15^th March 2021 which estimated the impact of Covid-19 on emissions. The data and assumptions used in this modelling can be found in the Informative Inventory Report (IIR), published at https://naei.beis.gov.uk/reports/reports?report_id=1024.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM2.5 in the UK, as well as to assess compliance with legally binding air quality standards.

Compliance in 2020 was detailed in the Air Pollution in the UK report (2020) published in Sept 2021 (available here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/). Further analysis is ongoing and a follow up technical modelling report, detailing the source apportionment undertaken for 2020, will be published on our UK Air website in the coming weeks.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM2.5 in the UK, as well as to assess compliance with legally binding air quality standards.

Compliance in 2020 was detailed in the Air Pollution in the UK report (2020) published in Sept 2021 (available here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/). Further analysis is ongoing and a follow up technical modelling report, detailing the source apportionment undertaken for 2020, will be published on our UK Air website in the coming weeks.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM2.5 in the UK, as well as to assess compliance with legally binding air quality standards.

Compliance in 2020 was detailed in the Air Pollution in the UK report (2020) published in Sept 2021 (available here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/). Further analysis is ongoing and a follow up technical modelling report, detailing the source apportionment undertaken for 2020, will be published on our UK Air website in the coming weeks.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM2.5 in the UK, as well as to assess compliance with legally binding air quality standards.

Compliance in 2020 was detailed in the Air Pollution in the UK report (2020) published in Sept 2021 (available here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/). Further analysis is ongoing and a follow up technical modelling report, detailing the source apportionment undertaken for 2020, will be published on our UK Air website in the coming weeks.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM2.5 in the UK, as well as to assess compliance with legally binding air quality standards.

Compliance in 2020 was detailed in the Air Pollution in the UK report (2020) published in Sept 2021 (available here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/). Further analysis is ongoing and a follow up technical modelling report, detailing the source apportionment undertaken for 2020, will be published on our UK Air website in the coming weeks.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM2.5 in the UK, as well as to assess compliance with legally binding air quality standards.

Compliance in 2020 was detailed in the Air Pollution in the UK report (2020) published in Sept 2021 (available here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/). Further analysis is ongoing and a follow up technical modelling report, detailing the source apportionment undertaken for 2020, will be published on our UK Air website in the coming weeks.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM2.5 in the UK, as well as to assess compliance with legally binding air quality standards.

Compliance in 2020 was detailed in the Air Pollution in the UK report (2020) published in Sept 2021 (available here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/). Further analysis is ongoing and a follow up technical modelling report, detailing the source apportionment undertaken for 2020, will be published on our UK Air website in the coming weeks.

Assessment of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is undertaken on an annual basis to understand the key sources and contributions to PM2.5 in the UK, as well as to assess compliance with legally binding air quality standards.

Compliance in 2020 was detailed in the Air Pollution in the UK report (2020) published in Sept 2021 (available here: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/annualreport/). Further analysis is ongoing and a follow up technical modelling report, detailing the source apportionment undertaken for 2020, will be published on our UK Air website in the coming weeks.

We have introduced legislation encouraging householders to switch to less polluting fuels used for domestic burning, and, as of January 2022, only Ecodesign compliant solid fuel stoves are able to enter the market for sale across the UK.

Through our landmark Environment Act 2021 we have amended the Clean Air Act 1993 in England to create a simpler mechanism for local authorities to tackle smoke emissions. From May 2022 smoke emissions in a Smoke Control Area will be subject to a civil rather than criminal regime, enforced with a financial penalty, making it easier for local authorities to tackle illegal domestic solid fuel burning.

The Environment Act 2021 also ensures more substantive action can be taken by enabling local authorities to prosecute when smoke is repeatedly emitted from private dwellings under the statutory nuisance regime.

As stated in the Clean Air strategy, we will explore a number of options to reduce NMVOC emissions from household products, including cleaning products. As a first step, we are building the evidence base to ensure any future interventions in this space are appropriately targeted and effective. That is why Defra’s Air Quality Expert Group, with support from members of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution, are producing a report on indoor air quality, focusing on fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds as the air pollutants which are prevalent in indoor environments. This report will be published later this year.

For the purposes of our international obligation, the circumstances in which an adjustment to the emission inventory can be made are set out in Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) Executive Body decision 2012/3. The formal process for an adjustment application is set out in CLRTAP Executive Body decision 2012/12. Both decisions can be found at https://unece.org/decisions.

Regulation 4 of the National Emission Ceilings Regulations sets out that the Secretary of State may prepare an adjusted inventory of emissions if the conditions for applying an adjustment, set out in the Regulations, are met.

No such assessment has been made. Industrial installations in England must comply with strict emission limits, and cannot operate unless issued with an environmental permit. The Environment Agency performs regular inspections and audits to ensure installations are complying with the requirements of the permit.

No such assessment has been made. Industrial installations in England must comply with strict emission limits, and cannot operate unless issued with an environmental permit. The Environment Agency performs regular inspections and audits to ensure installations are complying with the requirements of the permit.

The 1990 to 2020 Informative Inventory Report will be published on 15 March 2022.

Ammonia emission data for 2020 were published on 18 February (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/emissions-of-air-pollutants/emissions-of-air-pollutants-in-the-uk-ammonia-nh3).

Ministers considered scientific evidence on human health and environmental risks and received advice from the Health and Safety Executive, the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides and Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser. This advice is available publicly. This advice has informed the overall decision and shaped the strict controls attached to the authorisation which have been put in place to mitigate risks to pollinators and other species.

Industry will be carrying out monitoring activity of aphids, their resistance and infectivity at up to 15 sites in each of the four factory areas. This will provide advice on future control strategies. As a condition of the authorisation, industry will also monitor neonicotinoid-treated sugar beet fields in 2022 to determine any neonicotinoid seed treatment residue levels in soil and plants. The Government will continue to monitor water quality at a number of sites through our Catchment Sensitive Farming programme, with over 30 samples a month across the network tested for presence of all neonicotinoids along with another 350 pesticides.

Defra's evidence shows that well-designed green spaces including healthy, well-chosen, and well-placed trees in urban areas are known to have a large range of benefits for people and the economy. While vegetation can help filter and reduce some air pollution, it is also crucial to reduce emissions at their source. Furthermore, the design of urban vegetation architecture is important, to ensure it doesn’t contribute to poorer air quality in some locations.

Government will publish a revised National Air Quality Strategy in 2023 with a key focus on identifying and addressing air pollution inequalities, targeting action to support vulnerable groups and communities that are worst affected.

This Government has a world leading target to halt nature’s decline by 2030 and we know that will require action to recover biodiversity across the country including in our urban areas. To support that work, Natural England is working with Defra and other partners and stakeholders to develop a Green Infrastructure Framework. This will include a menu of green infrastructure standards that will help local planning authorities and developers meet requirements in the National Planning Policy Framework to consider green infrastructure in local plans and in new development.

The Green Infrastructure Framework will be fully available later this year. The aim will be to embed the Framework in national planning guidance and policy, which will be important to ensure that good green infrastructure is secured for all communities through the planning system.

Details of social media advertising spend are recorded in our publicly available transparency data which is published at:

https://data.gov.uk/dataset/91072f06-093a-41a2-b8b5-6f120ceafd62/spend-over-25-000-in-the-department-for-environment-food-and-rural-affairs

I have not had recent discussions along these lines.

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues. Now we have left the EU, the Government is able to explore potential action in relation to animal fur, in line with the Government’s commitment to improving animal welfare standards as set out in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare.

We are reviewing the evidence gathered both from our Call for Evidence and wider engagement with the fur trade and stakeholders, and a summary of responses will be published soon.

We have not made a formal assessment of the report at this stage. We continue to undertake regular monitoring of new evidence and emission sources of air pollutants to inform future policy.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 20 January 2022 to PQ UIN 102535.

Last year the EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation was brought into UK law, retaining the fundamental approach and key principles of EU REACH and ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the environment.

Within UK REACH, the Candidate List is a list of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) that can be prioritised for inclusion on the Authorisation List. Once a substance is added to the Authorisation List, it may not be used after the specified ‘sunset date’ unless the Secretary of State has granted a business-specific authorisation for that use.

The substances on the EU REACH candidate list were automatically carried forward to UK REACH. In future, substances will be added to the list on the basis of the best UK scientific advice, taking into account our own risk assessments.

Defra, the Welsh and Scottish governments have agreed an interim approach to adding new SVHCs to the list (published on gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-reach-approach-to-including-substances-of-very-high-concern-on-the-candidate-list). This is based on expert advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency (EA), as well as feedback from a range of stakeholders.

We believe that focussing the Candidate List on identifying substances that are genuine candidates for authorisation – the statutory purpose of the list – will more effectively enable substitution away from the most hazardous substances. The regulatory pressure from inclusion on the Candidate List can be diluted if there is little realistic chance of added substances being made subject to authorisation.

Within the last five years the Government has commissioned and published the following research studies to investigate the contribution of wood burning to PM₂.₅ concentrations:

• Airborne particles from wood burning in UK Cities, 2018: https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports?report_id=953).

• Burning in UK homes and gardens, 2020; https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports?report_id=1014)

Additionally, we have commissioned research to analyse data from the Black Carbon Network. However, findings from these studies do not inform estimates of the contribution of wood burning to PM₂.₅ concentrations. The following reports are in preparation for publication:

• Further assessment of PM from wood burning UK-wide

• Wood burning during the UK COVID-19 lockdowns

Most recently we commissioned a £1.6 million research project to investigate the emissions associated with different solids fuels. This research will begin to deliver results in 2023.

The Government Response to the Committee on Climate Change’s 2020 ‘Progress Report to Parliament' sets out the further action we are taking across all sectors of the economy to reduce emissions and deliver net zero.

Under the Countryside Productivity scheme, an estimated £4.6 million of funds were approved for projects which addressed nutrient management, for example, low-emission slurry application equipment or mild acidification of slurry, both of which reduce ammonia emissions.

We have just closed the first round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, the successor to Countryside Productivity small grants, which includes grants towards nutrient analysis, low emission spreading and separation equipment. Later this year, we will open applications for further rounds of large infrastructure grants, including for slurry acidification and slurry stores, under the Farming Transformation Fund, which will help further reduce ammonia emissions.

The Countryside Stewardship scheme provides financial incentives for farmers to look after and improve the environment. In 2021, the scheme allocated over £0.5 million to activities that reduce on-farm ammonia emissions including funding for slurry store covers, slurry scrapers and low emission flooring for livestock housing.

The data collected for evaluation does not allow for an assessment of the direct contribution to expected ammonia emission reductions achieved through this funding. This depends on a number of factors such as how the equipment is used on farm and the volumes of slurry involved.

This is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

An Environmental Permit requires operators to farm using Best Available Techniques (BAT). The Environment Agency is responsible for regulating Environmental Permits in England.

Environmental Permitting applies to many industrial sectors, including large intensive pigs and poultry farms. The Clean Air Strategy sets out the Government's commitment to extend the environmental permitting regime in England to dairy and intensive beef farms by 2025.

The Ecodesign requirements came into force on 1 January 2022. No assessment has been made at this stage.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 10 January 2022 to PQ UIN 98195.

The Government is committed to making sure that the best possible advice on pollution is available to the public to enable them to make informed choices to protect their health. Defra makes air pollution information available through a range of channels, such as the UK-Air website and more recently working with Global Action Plan to deliver the Clean Air Hub.

Alongside this, we are conducting a holistic review of the way we communicate air quality information and advice.

This is an iterative review process guided by a steering group comprised of specialists in the fields of air quality science, public health, behavioural science and digital communications, along with representatives from vulnerable communities, the general public and central and local Government.

We will consider the accessibility of this information as part of our review of Defra’s UK-AIR website.

The testing of exempt appliances for use in Smoke Control Areas is carried out by an external contractor. Defra requires regular progress reports and reviews the mechanism and monitors the contractor’s performance to ensure standards are maintained.

The Defra press office did not receive any such enquiries from journalists or media organisations in December 2021.

Statistics on national emissions of key air pollutants are published annually on gov.uk. Ammonia emission figures for 2019 and projections of emissions for 2020 and 2021 have been published in the informative inventory report and data for 2020 is due for publication in February 2022.

The Code of Good Agricultural Practice published in 2018 recommends a number of actions that farmers can take to reduce ammonia emissions. It is not possible to assess the specific contribution of this publication to reported emissions reductions.

The contract for the research project to measure emissions factors of domestic solid fuels is published on the Government Contract Finder website:

https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/69d7d635-5624-43d9-98a8-b49296681c5b

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 5 January 2022 to PQ 93691.

We have not made an assessment of this certification standard, which has a much wider remit than air pollution and wood burning stoves.

At this stage, we have not made such an assessment as part of developing guidelines for the UK.

Defra will provide an official Government response to the consultation on reducing ammonia emissions from solid urea fertilisers early this year.

We have commissioned a £1.6 million research project to systematically estimate the emissions, including black carbon, associated with different solids fuels, and appliances, used in the UK.

The Emissions Factors for Domestic Solid Fuels research and measurement programme will begin to deliver results by the end of the 2022/23 financial year.

We are already taking steps to reduce emissions from domestic burning. In 2020, we introduced the Domestic Solid Fuels Regulations, which will phase out of the sale of the most polluting domestic solid fuels. As of January 2022, all stoves placed on the market in the UK must be Eco-design compliant.

We have commissioned a £1.6 million research project to systematically estimate the emissions associated with different solids fuels and appliances. We are commissioning an evaluation of the impact of the Domestic Solid Fuels Regulations 2020 and updating our understanding of trends in domestic burning practices, including within smoke control areas.

Additionally, the Government is expanding the PM_2.5 monitoring network to enhance measurement of this pollutant nationally.

Ecodesign regulations are now in force and the Clean Air Act 1993 requirements in smoke control areas will remain, as the two regulate different things. The Ecodesign regulations will raise emission and efficiency standards for stoves across the whole of the UK whilst allowing additional smoke emission assessment to remain in place for smoke control areas under the Clean Air Act.

We are already taking steps to reduce emissions from domestic burning. In 2020, we introduced the Domestic Solid Fuels Regulations, which will phase out of the sale of the most polluting domestic solid fuels. As of January 2022, all stoves placed on the market in the UK must be Eco-design compliant.

We have commissioned a £1.6 million research project to systematically estimate the emissions associated with different solids fuels and appliances. We are commissioning an evaluation of the impact of the Domestic Solid Fuels Regulations 2020 and updating our understanding of trends in domestic burning practices, including within smoke control areas.

Additionally, the Government is expanding the PM_2.5 monitoring network to enhance measurement of this pollutant nationally.

Ecodesign regulations are now in force and the Clean Air Act 1993 requirements in smoke control areas will remain, as the two regulate different things. The Ecodesign regulations will raise emission and efficiency standards for stoves across the whole of the UK whilst allowing additional smoke emission assessment to remain in place for smoke control areas under the Clean Air Act.

We are already taking steps to reduce emissions from domestic burning. In 2020, we introduced the Domestic Solid Fuels Regulations, which will phase out of the sale of the most polluting domestic solid fuels. As of January 2022, all stoves placed on the market in the UK must be Eco-design compliant.

We have commissioned a £1.6 million research project to systematically estimate the emissions associated with different solids fuels and appliances. We are commissioning an evaluation of the impact of the Domestic Solid Fuels Regulations 2020 and updating our understanding of trends in domestic burning practices, including within smoke control areas.

Additionally, the Government is expanding the PM_2.5 monitoring network to enhance measurement of this pollutant nationally.

The National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP), published in March 2019, refers to legislation to prohibit the sale of the most polluting fuels used in domestic burning. The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 were made on 7 October 2020, and most measures came into force on 1 May 2021.

The NAPCP also refers to reducing PM2.5 levels. The Environment Act, which gained Royal Assent on 9 November 2021, establishes a duty to set a target on PM2.5.

We are conducting a holistic review of the way we communicate air quality information and advice. The Daily Air Quality Index is included in the scope of this review.

A steering group comprised of specialists in the fields of air quality science, public health, behavioural science and digital communications, along with representatives from vulnerable communities, the general public and central and local Government has been appointed to advise on the scope and nature of the review.

The steering group met for the first time in December 2021.

We will shortly be setting targets to improve air quality under the Environment Act which will be tailored to our domestic context.

Emissions of key air pollutants are compiled and reported by Defra on an annual basis through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory at https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data. Emissions data for 2020 will be published on 15 February 2022.

Applications for the exemption of solid fuel burning appliances under the Clean Air Act 1993 will continue.

We have no current plans to introduce a ban on the sale or use of wood burning appliances in urban areas. We have already taken action to ensure that wood burning appliances on the market adhere to high air quality standards.

Estimates of emissions from bonfires, fire pits and pizza ovens are not included in the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory.

Defra has no plans to publish such a list of research.

The Ecodesign regulations for solid fuel heating appliances came into force on 1 January 2022.

Defra has worked with industry supporting the Ecodesign-ready scheme since 2017. A communication campaign initiative was launched in 2020 to encourage solid fuel users to use better quality fuels, get their chimney swept or upgrade their appliances.

Emissions data for PM2.5 are publicly available through the following URL: https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/. Data for 2019 were reported on 15 February 2021.

The measures to reduce ammonia emissions from agriculture implemented to date include:

• Publication of a Code of Good Agricultural Practice (COGAP) for reducing ammonia emissions, 2018, in collaboration with the farming industry.

• Delivery of financial support through Countryside Stewardship and Countryside Productivity schemes to enable and encourage investment in the farm infrastructure and equipment.

• Delivery of a programme of advice, demonstration and case-studies on reducing ammonia emissions through the Catchment Sensitive Farming partnership.

• A Consultation on policy options to reduce ammonia emissions from urea fertilisers. A Government response will be published shortly.

• The Environment Agency is working with the farming industry to develop Best Available Techniques that will underpin an extension of Environmental Permitting to the dairy and intensive beef sectors.

We published a National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP) for the UK on 1 April 2019. We are currently preparing a revised NAPCP, which we will consult on in 2022.

The new Ecodesign Regulations for solid fuel burning appliances will ensure that the worst-performing and most polluting products are phased out of the market. Therefore, the Regulations will have a positive effect on the average energy efficiency of these appliances on the UK market now that they have come into force.

At the time the new Ecodesign Regulations were agreed, the EU calculated that by 2030 they, along with the associated Energy Labelling Regulations for solid fuel appliances, would result in an estimated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 400,000 tonnes of CO2, which corresponds to 50,000 tonnes of CO2 when scaled to the UK only.

In addition to this the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory published in March 2021 accounts for the projected impact of the Ecodesign Regulations on regulated air pollutants, specifically PM_2.5. These projections only partially account for the regulations as the emissions factor data at the time of publishing was limited.

Eco-design stoves will be considered as part of the work being undertaken to support the setting of PM _2.5 targets through the Environment Act 2021. Evidence will be published alongside a consultation on proposed targets in early 2022 and further analysis will be undertaken to inform the development of Environmental Improvement Plans once targets are set.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 15 December 2022 to PQ 93679.

Defra is continuing to work with relevant industry bodies to consider the effectiveness of the Ecodesign Regulations and has recently commissioned a study to measure emissions of pollutants from solid fuel appliances using a range of test methodologies.

Defra has not made such an assessment. Defra recently commissioned a study to measure pollutant emissions from burning solid fuels in a range of domestic appliances under real-world conditions. The results will be available from Autumn 2022.

In Smoke Control Areas an appliance needs to be exempt to burn unauthorised fuels, based on a standardised protocol.

From January 2022, only Ecodesign-compliant stoves will be able to enter the market for sale across the country. The UK is working with industry to consider the effectiveness of testing procedures under Ecodesign.

Emissions of key air pollutants are compiled and reported by Defra on an annual basis through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI). The data for 2019 is publicly available and was reported on 15 February 2021, via: https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/

Emissions specifically from bonfires, fire pits and pizza ovens are not estimated in the inventory.

Emissions of key air pollutants are compiled and reported by Defra on an annual basis through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI). The data for 2019 is publicly available and was reported on 15 February 2021, via: https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/

Emissions specifically from bonfires, fire pits and pizza ovens are not estimated in the inventory.

Emissions of key air pollutants, including PM _2.5, are compiled and reported by Defra on an annual basis through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI), which can be found here: https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/

The next update to the inventory, including emissions estimates for 2020 and updates to the historic time series, will be published in February 2022.

Emissions of key air pollutants, including PM _2.5, are compiled and reported by Defra on an annual basis through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI), which can be found here: https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/

The next update to the inventory, including emissions estimates for 2020 and updates to the historic time series, will be published in February 2022.

Defra has no current plans to introduce a ban on wood burning in urban areas. We continue to undertake regular monitoring of emission sources of air pollutants and greenhouse gases to inform future policy.

We are grateful to the Climate Change Committee for the wide range of advice it provides the Government, which is discussed on an ongoing basis. The published impact assessment for the sixth carbon budget considered a wide range of relevant evidence including the advice of the Climate Change Committee, providing a solid basis for the Government’s decision on what level to set carbon budget 6 at.

Emissions of key air pollutants are compiled and reported by Defra on an annual basis through the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI). The latest data for 2019 can be found at https://naei.beis.gov.uk/data/.

Current estimates of the contribution of domestic burning to PM _2.5 emissions are documented in the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, including the contribution of domestic wood burning_.

Within the last five years, the Government has commissioned several research studies to investigate the contribution of wood burning to PM ₂. ₅ concentrations. We have also commissioned studies to analyse data from our air quality monitoring networks (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports?report_id=953).

In 2018, we commissioned a large-scale survey to monitor trends in domestic burning and to better understand the types and quantities of fuels being used (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports?report_id=1014). This data has helped inform our estimates of solid fuel use in the UK.

Most recently we have commissioned a £1.6 million research project to investigate the emissions associated with different solids fuels. This will lead to improved estimates of the contribution that domestic burning makes to PM _2.5 emissions. We also published last week an invitation to tender to assess the impact of the Domestic Solid Fuels Regulations 2020 and investigate trends in domestic burning practices

All this work provides vital evidence needed to inform policies on domestic burning and to meet the commitments set out in the Clean Air Strategy.

The Environment Act does not amend the emission limits for appliance exemptions in wood burning stoves.

Domestic burning was identified as a major source of particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in 2018 in the National Statistics on Emissions of air pollutants in the UK. We have taken steps to cut air pollution from this source by introducing legislation which restricts the sale of the most polluting solid fuels, such as wet wood and traditional house coal, and encouraging the use of cleaner fuels in the home.

While we know that it is very difficult to accurately estimate the extent and nature of domestic burning, we are constantly working to improve our data. We published a research report (‘Burning in UK Homes and Gardens’) in December 2020. This involved extensive qualitative and quantitative research to gather further data on people's burning behaviours. A research and measurement study is currently being carried out to improve our emission estimates for domestic combustion.

A fee is applicable to all exemption applications and these fees, which are published online, are reviewed annually by the appointed contractor. Application fees have not been amended in the last three years.

There have been no formal annual audits of fees and charges. The contractor is required to provide the Department with a quarterly breakdown of the charges to and payments received from manufacturers and applicants, including explanation of how charges have been determined, and these are scrutinised on receipt.

A fee is applicable to all exemption applications and these fees, which are published online, are reviewed annually by the appointed contractor. Application fees have not been amended in the last three years.

There have been no formal annual audits of fees and charges. The contractor is required to provide the Department with a quarterly breakdown of the charges to and payments received from manufacturers and applicants, including explanation of how charges have been determined, and these are scrutinised on receipt.

Testing appliances for exemption focuses on smoke emissions when different fuels are burnt. Exempt appliances are accompanied by a list of suitable fuels for use. For each fuel, the appliance must not exceed emissions of 5 grams of smoke per hour (5g/h).

The British Standard PD6434:1969 is used to assess whether appliances can be granted an exemption under the Clean Air Act 1993. This standard sets the protocols and methods for the testing for assessment of smoke emission.

Testing appliances for exemption focuses on smoke emissions when different fuels are burnt. Exempt appliances are accompanied by a list of suitable fuels for use. For each fuel, the appliance must not exceed emissions of 5 grams of smoke per hour (5g/h).

The British Standard PD6434:1969 is used to assess whether appliances can be granted an exemption under the Clean Air Act 1993. This standard sets the protocols and methods for the testing for assessment of smoke emission.

Defra has worked with industry supporting the Ecodesign Ready scheme since 2017. This has enabled consumers to choose Ecodesign-ready stoves ahead of the legislation coming into force in 2022. From January 2022 only Ecodesign-compliant stoves will be able to enter the UK market. The implementation of Ecodesign 2022 will raise standards throughout the country, alongside existing requirements in Smoke Control Areas.

A communication campaign initiative was launched in 2020 to encourage solid fuel users to use better quality fuels, get their chimney swept or upgrade their appliances.

Defra has worked with industry supporting the Ecodesign Ready scheme since 2017. This has enabled consumers to choose Ecodesign-ready stoves ahead of the legislation coming into force in 2022. From January 2022 only Ecodesign-compliant stoves will be able to enter the UK market. The implementation of Ecodesign 2022 will raise standards throughout the country, alongside existing requirements in Smoke Control Areas.

A communication campaign initiative was launched in 2020 to encourage solid fuel users to use better quality fuels, get their chimney swept or upgrade their appliances.

The study of domestic wood combustion can be found on our UK-AIR website, accessible through the following URL:

https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/library/reports?report_id=1014

This research allowed Defra to update estimates of the quantity of solid fuels burned in people’s homes and gardens in the UK. These estimates were then used to inform the Digest of UK Energy Statistics for the UK in 2020.

Ecodesign requirements for domestic solid fuel appliances are set out in Annex II of the Ecodesign Regulations which can be found at Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/1185 of 24 April 2015 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for solid fuel local space heaters (Text with EEA relevance) (legislation.gov.uk).

The verification procedure to ensure compliance with these requirements is set out in Annex IV.

Defra has set requirements for burning solid fuels in Smoke Control Areas. Households can either burn authorised solid fuels or use an exempt appliance using only fuels specified by the manufacturer.

The introduction of the Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020 phases out the supply of more polluting fuels, in particular wet wood and coal, and introduces emission limits for all manufactured solid fuels. As air quality is a devolved matter this legislation applies in England only.

As of the 1 January 2022, only Eco design-compliant stoves can be placed on the UK market.

We are aware that, outside of the appointed certification bodies, there are industry-led certification schemes for domestic stoves which are intended to encourage manufacturers to achieve higher than minimum standards.

Defra does not hold such a register.

We are considering the emergency authorisation application made by British Sugar for the use of Cruiser SB (containing thiamethoxam) on sugar beet and the related evidence. A decision is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The improvement of air quality remains a priority for the Government. We are taking a range of actions to reduce air pollution, including through the landmark Environment Act 2021.

In line with commitments in the Act, we are currently reviewing the National Air Quality Strategy and will be publishing a revised Strategy in 2023. We aim to develop a strong support and capability-building framework to ensure local authorities have the necessary tools to take local action and to clarify the available powers and levers. The revised Strategy will also support greater local action to identify and address air pollution inequalities and reduce the impacts on vulnerable groups and communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution. Engagement with a wide range of stakeholders will be undertaken in coming months.

Through the Environment Act we are improving the Local Air Quality Management Framework, for example by broadening the range of bodies required to collaborate with local authorities in developing local Air Quality Action Plans. We are developing revised Local Air Quality Management statutory guidance in which we propose to include more emphasis on community engagement to increase public awareness of air quality issues, and additional information to support the consideration of air quality inequalities in local Air Quality Action Plans. We are engaging with a range of stakeholders, and especially local government as we develop and implement policies and guidance to support local action on air quality.

We are conducting a holistic review of the way we communicate air quality information and advice. This will ensure the public is provided with timely and relevant information about air pollution, the actions people can take to limit their personal exposure, the impacts of air pollution on their health, and their own influence on air quality. The Daily Air Quality Index is included in the scope of this review.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has tried and tested contingency and outbreak response plans and these are currently working well in the face of the current outbreak. The plans include being able to draw on the support of culling and disposal contractors from contingency framework contracts and being able to deploy additional vets from the veterinary delivery partnership. APHA is also working closely with other agencies from within the Defra group to provide additional surge capacity as needed. The resourcing situation is kept under review during outbreaks.

Emergency authorisations for the limited and controlled use of pesticides are only granted where the legal requirements are met, including that use of the pesticide appears necessary because of danger which cannot be contained by any other reasonable means. When considering emergency authorisations, the Government always takes account of the potential risks to people, animals and the environment (including risks to pollinators and other wildlife).

The Environment Act strengthens the Local Air Quality Management Framework in England to enable a more collaborative approach to improving air quality where a local air quality objective is not being met. The Act strengthens requirements for all tiers of local Government to work together to improve air quality and requires neighbouring local authorities to co-operate where this is necessary to ensure local air quality objectives are met.

The Act also provides for a new power for the Secretary of State to designate, after formal consultation, “Relevant Public Authorities”. Designated Relevant Public Authorities will be required to collaborate with local authorities where a pollution source in their area of influence contributes to a failure to meet a local air quality objective. We will consult on designating the first Relevant Public Authority – National Highways - early in the new year. This will ensure all highways authorities collaborate where necessary. We are working to identify which further public authorities should be designated.

We will also consult early in the new year on revised Local Air Quality Management statutory guidance which will set out the steps local authorities should take to engage their air quality partners.

The Secretary of State has regular, productive conversations with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy about net zero and the environment.

The Net Zero Strategy enforces the government’s commitment to leave the environment in a better state than we found it. As climate change and air pollution have many of the same emission sources, delivering the measures set out in the Net Zero Strategy will significantly benefit air quality and contribute to meeting the targets that will be established under the Environment Act.

We are working closely with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure those benefits to air quality are delivered and any potential impacts managed. We are considering the impact of the net zero policy pathway on air quality as part of our work to set these targets.

We do not at present plan to update the Clean Air Strategy. The Environment Act 2021 will deliver key parts of the Clean Air Strategy and we continue to work across Government to strengthen our collective action on air quality, including through the measures set out in the Net Zero Strategy and the Transport Decarbonisation strategy. The air quality co-benefits of meeting the sixth Carbon Budget and the Net Zero Strategy are estimated at about £35 billion over 2020-2050.

The Environment Act will improve the local air quality management framework to enable greater local action on air pollution by ensuring that responsibility for addressing air pollution is shared across a wider range of partners. It also ensures local authorities have simple to use powers to tackle emissions from domestic burning, a key source of harmful fine particulate pollution.

Defra’s Air Quality Grant programme also provides funding to local authorities for projects in local communities to tackle air pollution. The Government has awarded nearly £70 million in funding since the air quality grant started in 1997.

Further, in line with commitments in the Environment Act 2021, we are currently reviewing the National Air Quality Strategy and will be publishing a revised Strategy in 2023. A key objective of this review will be to develop a strong support and capability-building framework to ensure local authorities have the necessary tools to take local action. We are working across government on this Strategy, including with officials at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Defra’s UK-Air website displays near real time measurements from monitoring sites across the UK for a range of pollutants (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk). The largest of these networks, the UK Automatic Urban and Rural Network, is comprised of 171 monitoring sites and provides data to measure compliance with the Air Quality Standards Regulations (2010). The number and location of these sites have been carefully selected to minimise uncertainty and to be representative of the whole of the UK. Data from automatic monitoring sites managed by local authorities is also available from UK-Air.

The department is currently undertaking a detailed review of data services on UK-Air, building on the recent user needs work published in June this year (http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=15133_DefraAirQualityUserNeeds-finalreport.pdf), to maximise the benefits this high-quality monitoring information can provide our local communities and decision makers at all levels.

Through the statutory Local Air Quality Management framework, local authorities are required to assess air quality in their area and provide a summary of their assessment in an Annual Status Report. Local authorities are required to make these reports available to the public and local stakeholders through their websites.

In addition, Defra’s Air Quality Grant scheme provides funding to local authorities and supports schemes which help councils develop and implement measures to improve air quality in local communities. We have increased the funding pot available to local authorities in this year’s Air Quality Grant by £6 million. A significant proportion of this additional funding will be dedicated to projects to improve public awareness in local communities about the risks of air pollution.

Defra provides a wide range of air quality data and information to the public through the UK-AIR website. This includes a five-day air pollution forecast; these forecasts are communicated using the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI). The DAQI informs the public about levels of air pollution in their area and provides health advice in the form of recommended actions that could be taken according to the level of air pollution.

Alongside the information we already provide to the public, we are conducting a holistic review of the way we communicate air quality information and advice to ensure the public is provided with timely and relevant information about air pollution, actions people can take to limit their personal exposure, the impact of air pollution on their health, and their own influence on air quality.

Under our proposals the cost of managing and recycling packaging waste will transfer from local taxpayers and others who deal with waste to the businesses who make and use packaging. Our initial analysis indicates that this will not result in significant increases in consumer prices (including food prices). However, it will be for the businesses in question to decide if they will increase prices, or improve and reduce their packaging.

The final impact assessment, which will be published next year, will include assessment on this point.

Under our proposals the cost of managing and recycling packaging waste will transfer from local taxpayers and others who deal with waste to the businesses who make and use packaging. Our initial analysis indicates that this will not result in significant increases in consumer prices (including food prices). However, it will be for the businesses in question to decide if they will increase prices, or improve and reduce their packaging.

The final impact assessment, which will be published next year, will include assessment on this point.

No analysis has been made of the Food and Drink Federation’s report. All Government regulations are subject to an impact assessment that compares the costs and benefits of the change proposed. This allows the Government to take a balanced view on the benefit of implementing that regulation for the overall good of society.

The Government is wholly committed to supporting people on lower incomes and consistently supporting the lowest-paid families including through increasing the living wage and by spending over £111 billion on welfare support for people of working age in 2021/22.

Regulation does not necessarily translate into price rises for consumers including families. Defra modelling shows that consumer food prices depend on a range of factors including agri-food import prices, domestic agricultural prices, domestic labour & manufacturing costs and Sterling exchange rates. Defra monitors food prices on a monthly and annual basis using the ONS Consumer Price Index with Housing costs.

Later this year the Government will publish the UK Food Security Report which will bring together reported and publicly available data on food security, including at a household level. As part of the forthcoming Government Food Strategy, Defra is working closely with other relevant departments across Whitehall to set out a plan to ensure the food system is sustainable and affordable, supporting people and families to live healthy lives, while protecting animal health and welfare.

(a) Defra meets regularly with the Environment Agency to discuss the implementation of Best Available Techniques (BAT) at regulated facilities. One such meeting was held in July 2021 when the UK Interpretation guidance for the Waste Incineration BAT Conclusions was agreed, including tightening of relevant emission limits.

(b) The Environment Agency has not yet revised any permits for existing facilities in respect of emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). All permits will be revised by the legally required implementation date for the BAT Conclusions for existing plants which is 3 December 2023.

(c) All new permits issued by the Environment Agency since 3 December 2019 reflect the updated limit values for NOx for new plants, but not all of them require the use of selective catalytic reduction.

Defra's recently completed research project aimed to improve the evidence base on emissions from non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), including transport refrigeration units, specifically by improving our understanding of the UK NRMM emissions fleet. This involved working with a number of industry and sector experts. It was important that parties contributing to the research project were able to share their ideas and data with Defra in confidence should they wish to. Therefore, we do not intend to publish a list of contributors to the research project.

We are now considering next steps on NRMM and are undertaking further work to address some remaining evidence gaps. We will consult with further stakeholders in due course as appropriate.

There have been no recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues specifically on targets for waste incineration. However, powers being adopted via the Environment Bill will require the Government to set long-term, legally binding environmental targets, with at least one within the area of Resource Efficiency and Waste Reduction. My department is exploring how targets can help to reduce the amount of 'residual' waste we generate.

Officials are currently gathering evidence to enable Ministerial decisions on the targets, which will be consulted on in the new year.

The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan commits to publishing a Chemicals Strategy to tackle chemicals of concern and help ensure the levels of harmful chemicals entering the environment are significantly reduced. Work on the Chemicals Strategy is underway and we will set out our next steps in due course.

The Government is committed to making sure that the best possible advice on pollution is available to the public to enable them to make informed choices to protect their health.

Defra makes air pollution information available through a range of channels, such as the UK-Air website and more recently working with Global Action Plan to deliver the Clean Air Hub.

We also provide information to a network of charities when air pollution levels are forecast to be elevated to ensure information reaches the most vulnerable.

A fundamental component of communicating air quality information is the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI), which gives advice, based on the level of pollution that is in the forecast and being measured. Defra, Public Health England and DHSC are working with the chairs of the Air Quality Expert Group (AQEG) and the Committee on Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) to establish an expert group update the DAQI and system for providing air quality information in the light of accumulated new evidence and experience.

Defra is also undertaking a fundamental review of the UK-AIR website to improve the functionality and user experience. This project will identify a structure for disseminating information on air quality that reflects the needs and preferences of the key user groups and stakeholders that use the site.

We are working with the Department of Health and Social Care who have overall oversight of indoor air quality policy.

We have made significant progress in delivering our commitments in the Clean Air Strategy to reduce emissions of particulate matter from domestic solid fuel burning, which contribute to indoor air pollution. On 1 May 2021 new legislation came into force that restricts the sale of the most polluting fuels used in domestic burning. In addition, new emission standards for solid fuel appliances will also come into force from January 2022, ensuring only the cleanest new stoves are available to enter the market for sale.

These measures are supported by an information campaign aimed at educating people about burning better and reducing harmful emissions, with campaign materials found at Burn better: Making changes for cleaner air - Defra, UK. We are also aware that new fuels, such as coffee and olive logs, are entering the market and while the government wants to encourage innovation, customers need to be certain that these products are safe. That is why we will be reviewing these fuels with a view to setting any relevant standards.

We are also working on building our evidence base to support DHSC and ensure that any further future interventions are appropriately targeted and effective. Defra’s Air Quality Expert Group, with support from members of DHSC’s Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution, are producing a report on indoor air quality, focusing on fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds as the air pollutants which are prevalent in indoor environments.

Neither the Secretary of State nor I have had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport on this subject to date.

In January 2017, new legislation came into force with more stringent emission limits for major air pollutants from engines used in NRMM. It extends the scope of existing legislation to cover all sizes of petrol and diesel engines used in NRMM and it improves the legal framework. As of January 2019, new emission standards are mandatory for new engines being sold, for the first tranche of categories.

The Government also announced that it will remove the entitlement to use red diesel from April 2022 for many sectors, which will have benefits for air quality as red diesel is currently a cheaper fuel option for use in NRMM, whether for power lawnmowers, refrigerated lorries or excavators. This change will incentivise diesel fuel users to improve the energy efficiency of their machinery, invest in cleaner alternatives, or just use less fuel. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has also recently launched a Red Diesel Replacement competition, to support the development and production of innovative clean energy technologies that affected businesses can switch to.

In addition, following recent work to improve the evidence base about different NRMM and their emissions, which involved working with industry and sector experts, we are now considering next steps. As set out in the Clean Air Strategy, the Government is considering the options to reduce emissions from non-road mobile machinery, and this research will help ensure that we have a robust and accurate evidence base from which to consider policy options.

The UK Government's goal is to enhance protections to human health and the environment, while enabling economic growth through the safe management, production and disposal of chemicals.

The identification of intrinsic chemical hazards is already a principal requirement of the classification, labelling and packaging regulation (CLP). The hazard classes in CLP classify physical, health and environmental hazards. Endocrine disrupting properties are not captured by a specific CLP hazard class, however human health endocrine disrupting properties are closely linked to existing CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction) hazard classes.

Under Article 57 of REACH, endocrine disrupting properties can already be used to demonstrate that the substance is of 'equivalent level of concern' to be identified as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC). SVHC identification is the first step in making a substance subject to authorisation - controls that limit the use of the most hazardous substances.

The Government is committed to protecting consumers from unsafe products. Legislation is in place to require that manufacturers only place safe products on the market and take action where they identify a safety issue with products already on the market.

Tailpipe emissions from vehicles which power transport refrigeration units are recorded as road traffic emissions in the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory. The data for road transport emission is published annually and has been reported since 1990 onwards. The Government has not historically estimated emissions from transport refrigeration unit auxiliary engines as the available data is limited.

Defra has recently completed a research project which involved working with industry and sector experts and aimed to improve the evidence base on emissions from non-road mobile machinery, including transport refrigeration units, and we are considering next steps. As set out in the Clean Air Strategy, the Government is considering the options to reduce emissions from non-road mobile machinery, and this research will help ensure that we have a robust and accurate evidence base to consider policy options from.

The Government considered this issue and took steps to ensure a sustainable event. We appointed engineering, design and consultancy firm Arup, to help the event achieve ISO 20121 sustainability certification and to deliver a carbon-neutral event by developing a Carbon Management Plan. This included offsetting for G7 and guest leader and staff travel.

The Government is committed to improving the environmental sustainability of its own estates and operations through the Greening Government Commitments (GGCs). As part of these, central Government departments are currently required to report on and reduce the number of domestic flights they take. The latest annual report showed the Government as a whole had reduced the number of domestic flights it took by 28% in 2018-19 compared with the 2009-10 baseline. The Government Fleet Commitment also commits central Government departments to have 25% of their fleet as ultra-low emissions vehicles by 2022 and 100% by 2030. Progress against the fleet commitment will be reported on for the first time in the forthcoming 2019-20 GGC annual report.

We recognise the importance of national leadership on the issue of indoor air quality, and we are working across Government with the Chief Medical Officer and the Government Chief Scientific Advisor to coordinate further action, as well as with the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England who are taking the lead on this area.

Our Clean Air Strategy also includes measures to reduce emissions from key sources which contribute to indoor air pollution, including measures to reduce emissions of fine particulate matter from domestic solid fuel burning, which are in part delivered through the Environment Bill.

However, we consider that building our evidence base is a key first step to ensure that any future interventions are appropriately targeted and effective and that is what we are now focusing on. For example, our Air Quality Expert Group, with support from members of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution, will be producing a report on indoor air quality, focusing on fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds as the air pollutants which are prevalent in indoor environments.

Our thoughts continue to be with Ella’s family and friends. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths report and respond in due course.

We know that air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health, and although air pollution has reduced significantly over the last decade, there is more to do. This is why the Government is continuing to take urgent action to curb the impact air pollution has on communities across England through the world-leading Clean Air Strategy, the landmark Environment Bill, and the delivery of the £3.8 billion plan to clean up transport and tackle nitrogen dioxide pollution at the roadside.

We know there is a strong case for taking ambitious action on PM_2.5 as it is the pollutant that has the most significant impact on health. That is why we are introducing a duty to set a PM_2.5 target – alongside at least one additional long-term air quality target - in the Environment Bill. We have always been clear that we will consider the World Health Organization’s guidelines for PM_2.5 at part of this process.

Our thoughts continue to be with Ella’s family and friends. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths report and respond in due course.

Local authorities have statutory duties to review and assess local air quality. Local authorities decide what local monitoring is undertaken in line with national and local priorities, funded by their grant in aid settlement. Over £1 million additional funds from Defra’s 2018/19 Air Quality Grant was awarded for local authorities to pilot and evaluate low cost sensors.

In addition, Defra’s national monitoring network is published on the UK Air Information Resource (UK AIR). This is updated in real time to provide a live representation of the national monitoring network.

We have invested over £2 million in the last two years into the research and development of emerging sensor and satellite technologies and practical, on the ground trials in order to bring forward new monitoring advancements.

Information on sites managed by local authorities and those that make up national networks managed by Defra can be found on UK AIR (https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/networks/find-sites and https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/interactive-map).

Our thoughts continue to be with Ella's family and friends. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths report and respond in due course.

We know there is a strong case for taking ambitious action on PM_2.5 as it is the pollutant that has the most significant impact on health. That is why we are introducing a duty to set a PM_2.5 target - alongside at least one additional long-term air quality target - in the Environment Bill.

The costs, benefits and distributional impacts of any measures to meet air quality targets on businesses and wider society will be assessed as part of our development of targets under the Environment Bill Framework. They will be included in an Impact Assessment which will accompany a public consultation on environmental targets in early 2022. To inform this analysis, we have asked the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants for expert advice to ensure we are taking account of the latest health evidence. World Health Organization guidelines will also be considered to inform target development.

Our thoughts continue to be with Ella’s family and friends. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Prevention of Future Deaths report and respond in due course.

We know that air pollution is the single greatest environmental risk to human health, and although air pollution has reduced significantly over the last decade, there is more to do. The World Health Organization has praised our Clean Air Strategy as “an example for the rest of the world to follow”. We know there is a strong case for taking ambitious action on PM_2.5 as it is the pollutant that has the most significant impact on health. We have already taken action on a major source of PM_2.5 by legislating to phase out the sale of house coal, small volumes of wet wood and high sulphur manufactured solid fuels for domestic burning, but further action is needed. This is why we are introducing a duty to set a PM_2.5 target – alongside at least one additional long-term air quality target - in the Environment Bill. We have always been clear that we will consider the World Health Organization’s guidelines for PM_2.5 as part of this process.

At the end of the transition period, only those restrictions that are in force in EU REACH will be automatically carried over into UK REACH. The restriction proposals on C9-C14 PFCAs and on PFHxS are not yet agreed under EU REACH and are not likely to be in force at the end of the transition period, so will not be automatically carried over into UK law.

After the end of the transition period we will make independent decisions on future REACH restrictions, taking into account any analysis already carried out, including in the EU, consultations, and our own independent scientific advice.

Defra and the Environment Agency are working closely with other regulators to investigate sources, pathways and risks associated with PFAS chemicals in the environment in order to facilitate decisions on future risk management options.

At the end of the transition period, only those restrictions that are in force in EU REACH will be automatically carried over into UK REACH. The restriction proposals on C9-C14 PFCAs and on PFHxS are not yet agreed under EU REACH and are not likely to be in force at the end of the transition period, so will not be automatically carried over into UK law.

After the end of the transition period we will make independent decisions on future REACH restrictions, taking into account any analysis already carried out, including in the EU, consultations, and our own independent scientific advice.

Defra and the Environment Agency are working closely with other regulators to investigate sources, pathways and risks associated with PFAS chemicals in the environment in order to facilitate decisions on future risk management options.

The substance evaluation recently completed by KEMI, the Swedish Environment Agency, recommended further follow-up regulatory action at EU level, although the process required under EU REACH to identify the substance as a “substance of very high concern” (SVHC) has not yet started.

After the end of the transition period, the UK will establish its own independent chemicals regulatory framework for Great Britain, UK REACH. All substances on the EU REACH candidate list of SVHCs for authorisation at that point will be listed on the UK REACH candidate list. We will make independent decisions on future identification of substances as SVHC, taking into account existing evidence, and consultation.

Defra is supporting work on indoor air quality by gathering evidence needed to inform effective policies. Our Air Quality Expert Group, with input from members of the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, will be publishing a paper on indoor air quality in the new year. This will focus on fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds as the air pollutants which are prevalent in indoor environments. We have also engaged actively with the research community through the Clean Air Programme, which is part of UK Research and Innovation’s Strategic Priorities Fund. Wave 2 of this programme is focused on the indoor/outdoor air quality interface.

Earlier this year, Defra attended a cross-Government roundtable on indoor air quality hosted by the Chief Medical Officer and Government Chief Scientific Advisor. Given the health drivers for action, DHSC and Public Health England will be taking the lead on indoor air quality and Defra will continue to support them, alongside other Government departments.