Birmingham City Council has today [1 June 2023] launched a new funding scheme to improve air quality in Birmingham.
All of the city’s single-member council wards are able to apply for up to £20,000 per annum, or two-member wards for up to £40,000 per annum, for the next two years.
The Brum Breathes Fund will support schemes and projects that improve air quality, encourage active travel and help raise awareness of the impact poor air quality on public health.
The scheme has been launched on the second anniversary of Birmingham’s clean air zone (CAZ) and is funded by revenues generated from the scheme.
The fee for vehicles that don’t meet the emissions standards or aren’t exempt is £8 per day for cars, vans and taxis or £50 a day for coaches, buses and HGVs.
Cllr 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. ”
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 shift towards zero-emission 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.
Birmingham’s CAZ is a type ‘D’ Zone, which includes most vehicle categories, though motorcycles are exempt.
