On Thursday (7 July), East Hampshire District Council’s Cabinet approved a new Air Quality Strategy for 2026-31.
East Hampshire’s air quality is generally good and within current UK legal limits. However, evidence shows that long-term exposure to air pollution continues to affect residents’ lives, particularly people who are very young, old or have medical conditions.
As part of legislation, we have to publish an Air Quality Strategy to identify areas where air quality can be improved and highlight the importance of air quality to residents.
The strategy focuses on four priority areas:
- Raising awareness of the importance of air quality
- Reducing health inequalities – so people aren’t disadvantaged by where they live
- Reducing emissions
- Improving the understanding of the impacts of particulates and indoor air quality.
There will be an annual action plan for air quality which will be monitored regularly.
Councillor Robert Mocatta, East Hampshire District Council portfolio holder for Regeneration and Prosperity (which includes climate and environment), said:
“Air pollution can have a massive impact on people in all stages of their lives, from children developing childhood asthma to older people struggling with breathing issues.
“We’re very lucky in East Hampshire that we’ve got great air quality and very few areas for concern, but it’s still important to act where we can, to maintain that situation and protect our most vulnerable residents.
“There are many things that impact air quality and there are many things we can all do - from switching car engines off when idling, walking where possible to school, to checking our own indoor air quality at home. The work we’ll be doing because of this strategy will help raise awareness of air quality across the district.”