Issue details

Consultation has been undertaken with other local authorities as part of officer
working groups and regional forum. The proposed policy is aligned to statutory
national DEFRA guidance and reflects similar policies across other local authority
areas. Environmental Protection staff have attended DEFRA workshops on smoke
control and enforcement.
CYC’s Fourth Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP4) was subject to a period of widespread public consultation between November 2023 and February 2024, alongside CYC’s Local Transport Strategy. Measures in AQAP4 aimed at reducing emissions from domestic and industrial combustion / heating received 68% public support. AQAP4 includes specific measures relating to civil penalties for smoke emissions and a commitment to review CYC’s current smoke control area boundary.
CYC has previous undertaken a DEFRA funded campaign called ‘Fuel for Thought’. The campaign had specific emphasis on PM emissions from domestic solid fuel burning and links to health and generated a range of new resources for dissemination across York. Baseline public awareness was established via online pre-campaign survey work and in-person focus groups held across different areas of York. These activities helped to shape the messaging and creative route for the campaign. Further surveys were undertaken post-campaign as part of the evaluation work. The campaign improved public engagement on the topic of domestic solid fuel burning, was well received, easily understood and sparked interest and conversations.