West Midlands Air Quality Framework

To date, the focus on addressing air quality in the West Midlands (by both the WMCA and constituent local authorities) has been in lowering NOx and NO2 emissions; the predominant sources of these are from transport. This is changing with the new targets that will be set through the Environment Act (2021). The additional targets on particulates will require a broader approach to addressing air pollution. This approach will still require a focus on transport but will also need to address domestic and industrial combustion as well.

In order to explore potential options in relation to air quality, a paper was produced for the WMCA Board in February 2022. The recommendation was that a West Midlands Air Quality Framework be developed, highlighting the work that could be taken forward regionally and developing cost benefit analysis for different interventions. This would need to take account of local priorities and responsibilities that will continue to exist through Air Quality Management Plans, as well as identifying the areas where national action would need to be taken.

The WMCA requires consultancy support to develop the initial options paper, produced in conjunction with the University of Birmingham. In particular, we require the following: 1. A secondment into the WMCA to fulfil the role of Air Quality Framework Programme Manager This would be with immediate effect until completion of the framework, scheduled for February 2023. It is expected the secondment would be for four days a week for the duration of the contract. 2. An organisation with technical air quality expertise that we can draw upon to support the development of the framework where appropriate.