British Heart Foundation Cymru Petition

Response to Minister’s Letter to the Petitions Committee of 18 December.

1. BHF Cymru is pleased to read your comments and commitment to cleaning up air in Wales, and your vision for the Clean Air Programme. You will be aware that as part of Healthy Air Cymru, BHF Cymru has met with your officials and we are very pleased to be a part of future conversations in which we can assist them in assessing measures and helping to implement measures in this programme.

2. We are aware that the new First Minister committed to a Clean Air Act in his manifesto, and that he is keen to develop realistic alternatives to car travel.

3. We acknowledge that the WHO guidelines may be difficult to meet in certain areas of the country, as acknowledged by the former First Minister in Plenary a number of times last year. However, we would hope that in formulating policy and any Bill, that the aim to reach these more stringent standards, which are much lower than the current EU limits, would be an area the Welsh Government could lead the way on within the UK.

4. With regards to Clean Air Zones, we have noted that this may not be the most effective option for every polluted area in our consultation responses, however we do hope that in the final publication of the framework, charging clean air zones will be recommended as the most effective model when introduced, as evidence shows that behaviour is most likely to change as a result of this type of intervention.

5. We are pleased to hear about the Evidence, Innovation and Improvement Project to enhance and improve monitoring of air pollution. We would be pleased to assist this work if appropriate.

6. In the area of domestic woodburning and we are very encouraged to note that early intervention methods are likely to include a restriction on the sale of wet wood and house coal. Again, in this area, if BHF Cymru can assist your Task and Finish group, we would be happy to work with them to look at evidence and evaluate further measures, including communicating with the public about the dangers of burning dirty fuels.

7. Since your letter, the UK Government’s Clean Air Strategy has been published. We were pleased to see that the strategy mentions working with devolved governments on the forthcoming National Air Pollution Control Programme for publication this year. We look forward to the joined up approach which will help to combat air pollution across Wales and the whole of the UK.

I would like to thank the Minister for your response and I wait to hear further from the Petitions’ Committee.

Emma Henwood

Policy and Public Affairs Manager

BHF Cymru

23 January 2019