A new funding scheme to help improve air quality in Birmingham has launched today (Thursday June 1st), with funding available to support schemes in every one of the city’s council wards.
The Brum Breathes Fund will support schemes and projects that improve air quality, encourage active travel and, in doing so, also help to raise awareness of the impact poor air quality can have on health.
The scheme has been launched on the second anniversary of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone and is funded by revenues generated from the scheme. It will provide single-member council wards with up to £20,000 per year and two-member wards with up to £40,000 per year, each for the next two years.
Applications to the Fund will need to meet specific criteria such as promoting the benefits of cleaner air, supporting active travel and public transport use, or encouraging a greater shift towards zero emissions travel or infrastructure. All applications to the Fund will also need the support of the local Councillor (or Councillors for two-member Wards), local Ward forums, and align with the priorities of the local Ward action plan.
Councillor Liz Clements, Cabinet Member for Transport at Birmingham City Council, said: “We’re committed to helping our residents to achieve their full potential by improving the quality of the air they breathe. The Brum Breathes Fund will provide support to local Councillors and community groups to improve air quality in every corner of the city.
“Through the fund, we’re looking to invest in projects such as cycle racks, school traffic exclusion plans, sustainable transport measures and a range of other great ideas for delivering the benefits of clean air to everyone.”
More information:
🌐 www.brumbreathes.co.uk/BrumBreathesFund
