The forum was established in March 1988 to provide the main mechanism by which stakeholders could put their views to the Government on the Air Quality Strategy. The forum helps to fulfil the requirement under section 80 of the Environment Act 1995 for the Secretary of State to consult with relevant bodies or persons when preparing or modifying the Strategy.

The forum is intended to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and information but is not a policy or decision making body. The forum’s terms of reference provide an opportunity for:

• exchange of ideas and information
• offer an independent overview of the production and implementation of the Air Quality Strategy and progress towards achievement of its objectives, and
• provide feedback on implementation and progress on local air quality management.

The forum is chaired by Defra and Membership is drawn from a variety of sectors, including industry and business, transport, health and environment groups and local government bodies. Officials from the devolved administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and Government departments and agencies attend meetings. There are also around 200 interested groups who receive copies of papers and minutes of The forum’s meetings. The forum meets two to three times each year and minutes and papers are published on the Defra website.

Current membership

Business and industry reps

• Confederation of British Industry
• Chemical Industries Association
• UK Petroleum Industry Association
• Association of Electricity Producers
• Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
• Freight Transport Association
• Confederation of Passenger Transport (UK)
• Environmental Industries Commission
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Scottish Federation of Small Businesses

Voluntary sector/others

• Environment Protection UK (EPUK)
• Friends of the Earth
• Campaign for Clean Air in London
• Institute for Air Quality Management
• National Farmers Union
• Passenger Transport Executive Group
• Automobile Association
• Royal Automobile Club
• National Trust
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
• English Nature

Health groups

• British Medical Association
• British Lung Foundation
• Asthma UK
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
• Royal Environment Health Institute of Scotland

Local government

• Local Government Association
• Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
• Welsh Local Government Association
• Local Government Association and Chartered Institute of Environmental
• Health Northern Ireland
• London Councils
• Greater London Authority

Government, devolved administrations and agencies

• Central government departments
• Scottish Government
• Welsh Assembly
• Department of Environment in Northern Ireland
• Environment Agency
• Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
• Northern Ireland Industrial Pollution Inspectorate
• Health and Safety Executive