Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 66129

Nitrogen Dioxide: Pollution Control

Tabled: 9 July 2025

Answered: 16 July 2025

Question

Tim Farron

Liberal Democrat — Westmorland and Lonsdale

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department publishes information on the (a) Joint Air Quality Unit, (b) nitrogen dioxide programme and (c) nitrogen dioxide programme’s Central Evaluation.

Answer

Emma Hardy

The Joint Air Quality Unit has been established to deliver the actions set out in the published Air quality plan for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in UK (2017) and the Supplement to the UK plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations (2018). The Clean Air Zone Framework sets out the principles for the operation of clean air zones in England, one of the air quality measures used in seven local authorities. These publications set out how local authorities with the worst air pollution concentrations must take robust action to improve air quality.

The NO₂ programme’s accounting officer assessment is also published and shows assessments of regularity, propriety, value for money, feasibility and affordability.

The Evaluation of Local NO₂ Plans is publicly available on the DEFRA website at the following link: Evaluation of Local NO₂ Plans - AQ0851 (defra.gov.uk).