Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure air pollution levels near (a) schools, (b) hospitals and (c) GP surgeries do not exceed the World Health Organisation's recommended limits.

Air pollution is a particular threat to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, the very young and those with existing health conditions such as asthma. However, while targeted local action can be taken, this needs to form part of a wider programme of actions on air pollution. For example, we are continuing to drive forward the ambitious actions outlined in the Clean Air Strategy, such as phasing out the sale of house coal and small volumes of wet wood for domestic burning, which is a major source of PM 2.5; the pollutant known to have the most adverse health impacts.

Our landmark Environment Bill will improve air quality by establishing a duty to set a new concentration target for PM2.5, which will act as a minimum standard across the country. In addition, through the wider environmental target framework, we propose a long-term population exposure reduction target for PM2.5. These targets will work together to reduce PM2.5 in areas with the highest levels and drive continuous improvement across the country.

Government is committed to evidence-based policy making and we will consider the World Health Organization guideline level for PM 2.5 alongside independent expert advice and evidence and analysis considering a diversity of factors when setting these targets

We have also committed in the Environment Bill to review the National Air Quality Strategy with a key objective of promoting and supporting greater local action to identify and address air pollution inequalities, targeting action at vulnerable groups and communities.

Under the Local air Quality Management Framework, Local Authorities are required to review and assess local air quality and act where local air quality objectives are exceeded. Local authorities have a range of powers to take action to reduce pollution from road vehicles, such as introduce 20mph zones and enforcing anti-idling laws. Local authorities in England can install School Streets restricting vehicle access around schools using standard traffic signing. £338 million has been made available this year through active travel funding. This will enable LAs to deliver new safe cycling and walking routes in their areas, which could include the delivery of school streets. Defra's annual Air Quality Grant scheme provides funding to local authorities to tackle local air pollution and reduce emissions affecting schools, businesses and residents. It has awarded nearly £70 million in funding to a variety of projects since it started in 1997. This year £9 million has been allocated to the grant scheme to support local authorities to improve local air quality.