Air quality - local air quality management
New air quality national indicator (Local Government Performance Framework)
On 29 February 2008, Communities and Local Government published the final version of the new performance framework of 198 indicators. This followed the announcement in the October 2006 Local Government White Paper of a new performance framework for local government. Defra’s proposals for new performance indicators, including one on air quality, were published in July 2007.
The new air quality national indicator is:
- NI 194: Air quality – % reduction in NOx and primary PM10 emissions through local authority’s estate and operations.
The air quality indicator (NI 194) is included in the final set of indicators on environmental sustainability, available on the Communities website.
Government Offices are able to advise local authorities in their region on NI194. Guidance on the reporting requirements and on the tool used to calculate emissions is available below:
Defra has developed a tool to be used by local authorities in calculating emissions of NOx and PM10. This tool is also to be used by local authorities when calculating CO2 emissions under NI 185.
- Tool for calculation of CO2, NOx and primary PM10 emissions (Excel 900 KB)
Local authorities will report on a baseline of emissions for the financial year 1 April 2008 – 1 April 2009 by 31 July 2009. Further information will follow on how local authorities should provide this information to Defra.
The new indicator is separate from the local air quality management system under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, which requires local authorities to work towards the air quality objectives under the Air Quality (England) Regulations 2000. The local air quality management system is focused on 'hotspots' where objectives are being, or are likely to be, exceeded, and the local authority can involve a number of partners in tackling air pollution in areas subsequently designated as air quality management areas. The air quality performance indicator, on the other hand, targets the wider local authority area, and focuses on emissions of primary PM10 and NOx from local authority estates and operations. The indicator will not only target these two pollutants that are often the most prevalent, but will also mean that local authorities will lead by example. Furthermore, improvement targets will include local strategic partners, involving a wide range of emission sources across an authority's area.
For further information, please contact air.quality@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Further information is available on our Help page about downloading or reading Adobe Acrobat PDF documents.
Page last modified: 29 July 2008