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<p>The Government recognises there is more to do to protect all people in our society
and the environment from the effects of air pollution. This is why we are taking the
significant and wide-ranging action to drive improvements to air quality as set out
in our Environmental Improvement Plan 2023.</p><p> </p><p>This action is supported
by the Environment Act 2021, which makes sure that local authorities have the necessary
powers to tackle emissions collaboratively in their local area to improve air quality.
Through the Act we also introduced two new targets for fine particulate matter, the
pollutant most damaging to human health, setting a maximum annual mean concentration
target and a population exposure reduction target. This dual-target approach will
improve public health for all by tackling the highest concentrations whilst ensuring
all areas benefit from continuous improvement.</p><p> </p><p>We continue to support
local authorities in England to take action in their communities through the Local
Air Quality Grant, which has awarded around £53 million to almost 500 projects since
2010.</p>
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