To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what further steps he plans to take to improve air quality for residents of London.

The Mayor of London is responsible for air quality in the capital and has reserve powers under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 to reflect this.

These powers enable the Mayor to take a broad range of actions, particularly in relation to transport – this includes the introduction of the “T-Charge” and the proposed Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

The Mayor of London has received a comprehensive funding settlement from the Government, worth more than £5 billion, which includes measures to deliver compliance with air quality limits.

London and Londoners have also received £137million funding from the government’s £3.5 billion plan to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions.

In addition, the Government has also published the Clean Air Strategy consultation setting out a national approach to tackling air pollution focused on broader emissions beyond road transport aiming to cut air pollution and save lives. This will have beneficial effects across the country, including in London.

The Government has also published a consultation on cleaner domestic burning of solid fuels and wood. This focuses on a range of options to phase out the sale of the most polluting fuels therefore enabling consumers to switch to less polluting alternatives. The deadline for responses is 12 October.