Part 4: Air Quality and Environmental Recall Section 72: Local air quality management framework
This section enacts Schedule 11, which amends Part 4 of the Environment Act 1995. Part 4 creates the Local Air Quality Management Framework. The amendments require the Secretary of State to review the National Air Quality Strategy, which sets out policies for the assessment or management of the quality of air, at least every five years; and to report annually to Parliament on progress to deliver air quality objectives and standards (set out in the Strategy) in relation to England, and the steps the Secretary of State has taken in that year to support the meeting of those objectives and standards.
	Amendments also strengthen the requirements for local authorities under the Framework. When an Air Quality Management Area is declared by local authorities because they have assessed local air and determined that it exceeds, or is likely to exceed, air quality objectives and standards (as set by the Secretary of State in the National Air Quality Strategy and enacted in secondary legislation), local authorities are required to prepare actions plans that must set out how the local authority will exercise its functions to ensure that air quality standards are achieved and maintained. All tiers of local government, and neighbouring local authorities where relevant, will be required to co-operate in the development of those action plans. The Secretary of State has power to designate, following consultation, relevant public authorities as air quality partners who would also be required to co-operate with the development of action plans, and to take proportionate action to improve air quality where necessary. These amendments ensure responsibility for tackling air pollution is shared across relevant parties.