The Air Quality Manager introduced the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services which provided the first update on the progress on the Air Quality Implementation plan for the Wirral Air Quality Strategy 2024-28. It also provided an update on the Air Quality Status report (ASR) for 2024, which incorporated actions taken during 2023 to improve air quality, and an update on monitoring results for air pollution during 2023. Progress of the development of the implementation plan, how it would be governed and an overview of progress with actions for 2024 was summarised within the report.

In response to Member queries about air quality near schools, the Air Quality Manager reported that air quality monitoring sites were specified by technical guidance from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which requires monitoring near roadsides or buildings and did not have the resources available to offer more bespoke monitoring, but that officers were keen to work with voluntary organisations to access further funding.

Members noted that Liscard, Poulton and Upton wards were already close to breaching air quality national targets and that work would need to be done on the ground to make a positive change to the air quality.

Resolved – That

(1)  the progress in 23/24 contained within the ASR be recognised

(2)   the latest air quality monitoring results for 2023 be acknowledged

(3)  the actions contained within the AQ implementation plan and governance routes be endorsed.