Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs

Cabinet considered the report of the Mid-Kent Environmental Health Manager and the above Cabinet Member, which charted the development of Swale’s Strategic Air Quality Action Plan 2018-22 before submission to the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  The Action Plan was a fulfilment to the Council’s responsibility in the Local Air Management regime under the Environment Act 1995.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs introduced the report, which was the last in a series of reports recording development of Swale’s Strategic Air Quality Action Plan 2018-22.  The Cabinet Member thanked members of the Air Quality Steering Group who had provided useful information.  The Cabinet Member also thanked officers for all their hard work in producing the document, and endorsed the report, and proposed the recommendations.

A Member spoke in support of the document and welcomed the good response to the consultation.  The Member also welcomed that the control of HGVs in categories 1 to 4 was included.  He asked what the Council were doing to press Central Government for funding and ideas to support improvements in air quality in the Borough? 

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural Affairs stated that once approved by DEFRA, the Council would be able to use the Action Plan to lobby for further support and financial assistance.   He added that the Council had already pressed for various grants and schemes with some success.

A Member thanked the Cabinet Member and officers for their work in creating the document.

Resolved:

(1)       That the outcome of the public consultation on the draft Air Quality Action Plan 2018-22 be noted.

(2)       That the additional measures in the draft Air Quality Action Plan for submission to DEFRA be approved.