Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Resources presenting for the Board’s consideration the Leeds Air Quality Strategy Action Plan 2021 – 2030 which provides a framework for the continued compliance and improvement of the city’s air quality.

Further to Minute No. 66, 21 October 2020, the Director of Resources submitted a report presenting for the Board’s consideration the Leeds Air Quality Strategy Action Plan 2021 – 2030, which provided a framework for the continued compliance and improvement of the city’s air quality.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received an update on the current position and the actions being taken to improve air quality levels in the area of Main Street, Pool in Wharfedale. It was undertaken that the Member in question would be provided with further information on this matter, including the latest data on air quality.

Members discussed the specific impact of domestic wood burners on air quality and with regard to the effect upon people’s health, highlighting that increased awareness of such matters was needed. In response, regarding the circulation of further communications and information on how air quality in Leeds could be further improved, and also on mitigating the impact of specific issues, such as domestic wood burners, it was noted that the aim was to compile such information over the course of the next 3-4 months. It was also undertaken that any developments on the specific issue of wood burners at a national level would be provided to those Members in question, as appropriate.

The Board also received further information on the actions being taken to improve the infrastructure across Leeds for electric vehicle charging. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the 2021-2030 Air Quality Strategy Action Plan, as detailed at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That agreement be given to the submission of an annual progress report which confirms projects delivered and refreshes the air quality targets accordingly;

(c)  That the extension of the Electric Vehicle trials service from October 2021 to March 2022, be approved;

(d)  That the development of a business case to bring electric vehicles on to the refuse fleet as part of the standard fleet replacement programme with the aim of bringing the first electric Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV) onto fleet in 2022, be supported;

(e)  That a collaborative approach for action to address the direct impact of air pollution on health, be supported;

(f)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer, Sustainable Energy & Air Quality will be responsible for any actions arising and the subsequent implementation of such actions.

(Further to the declaration of interest as detailed at Minute No. 30, Councillor Arif took no part in the consideration of this matter and left the meeting room for the duration of this item)