Agenda item

This report outlines the background to the National Clean Air Day and asks the Executive Member to endorse the event on behalf of City of York Council.

Resolved: That option 1 be agreed:

·        That City of York Council (CYC) officially support and endorse National Clean Air Day 2017 with Public Protection Officers leading local events on the ground in partnership with local partners and volunteers.  This option would formally commit CYC to delivering the minimum level of support to the day as set out in paragraph 9 of the report.  Additional events would be provided at a level which reflects the level of resourcing made available for the day via CYC, partners and volunteer forces. 

Reason: To help raise awareness of air quality and health issues in York and support development of a wider air quality marketing and communications strategy (as detailed in measure 10 of the current York Air Quality Action Plan). 

The Executive Member considered a report that outlined the background to the National Clean Air Day and asked him to endorse the event on behalf of City of York Council (CYC).

Officers gave an update and confirmed:

·        the first UK National Clean Air Day would take place on 15 June 2017.  This initiative was being supported by Government departments and a number of organisations.

·        the purpose of the day was to inspire people across the UK to reduce their emissions and exposure to air pollution in view of the impact of air quality on public health.

·        CYC had been invited to be an official supporter of the event.   Although it would not benefit from the resources being provided to some other cities, it would have access to free guides and toolkits which would be made available to support action at a local level.  It was hoped to encourage schools, the hospital and other organisations in the city to take part and there would be a particular focus on the impact of idling vehicles.

The Executive Member stated that he had requested that the Council signed up to Clean Air Day and there were some clear parallels with the work that was taking place in York.  Public awareness of this issue was increasing and it was important that a scientific and evidence-based approach was taken but that the information was presented in way which engaged with residents.  There was a particular need to raise awareness of the problems in respect of diesel.

At the request of the Executive Member, details were given of the ways in which it was intended to engage with schools.  Information could also be made available on the Council’s website.   The Executive Member sought assurances that the resources were available to support the National Clean Air Day, as outlined in the report.  He was informed that this was the case and that the I-Travel team were keen to engage and offer support.

The Executive Member considered the options detailed in paragraphs 16 to 18 of the report.

The Executive Member stated that supporting and endorsing National Clean Air Day 2017 would be a very positive step in raising public awareness of the health implications of air quality and the steps residents could take to help address this issue.  It was important that a partnership approach was taken and that organisations were encouraged to come forward with their ideas and contributions.

Resolved: That option 1 be agreed:

·        That City of York Council (CYC) officially support and endorse National Clean Air Day 2017 with Public Protection Officers leading local events on the ground in partnership with local partners and volunteers.  This option would formally commit CYC to delivering the minimum level of support to the day as set out in paragraph 9 of the report.  Additional events would be provided at a level which reflects the level of resourcing made available for the day via CYC, partners and volunteer forces. 

Reason: To help raise awareness of air quality and health issues in York and support development of a wider air quality marketing and communications strategy (as detailed in measure 10 of the current York Air Quality Action Plan).