Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director Environment regarding the New World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines.

Members were provided with the headlines concerning the new guidelines which were more in-depth and covered black carbon. Since the publication, the City Corporation has been involved in a series of meetings with Defra and engaging officials from UK100 to discuss the implication of the Environment Bill.

A Member challenged the focus on the black carbon pollutant as delivering the best health outcomes noting that the table identified nitrogen dioxide as double the outcome. Members were advised that the data was surprising, and Officers awaited WHO’s plans and were working to deliver the best impact with best health benefits. WHO guidance would be adopted separately for the devolved countries, with the Corporation only looking at the numbers set for England.

In response to a query concerning whether there were choices of researchers for commissioned research, Officers confirmed there were options but they were limited and competitive quotes were being sought.

It was noted that the Committee had previously received scientific talks from experts on relevant topics and it was agreed a scientist be invited to talk at a future meeting regarding pollution.

RESOVLED, that Members approve the commission of research, at a cost of £20,000 - £30,000, into locally derived sources of PM2.5, to formulate a plan to reduce levels in line with new statutory obligations, and for maximum health and climate benefits following the publication of the latest WHO Air Quality Guidelines.