The Interim Consultant for Public Health provided a detailed introduction and presentation of the report, which provided an overview of the multiple sources and types of air pollution, in addition to the associated acute and chronic health effects from exposure.

A Member observed that air pollution had been an issue for some time and felt that it was difficult to implement a solution. He felt that schools had improved numbers of children walking or cycling to school, but that it was difficult to measure any significant impact of Public Health or Local Authority initiatives.

In response it was explained that air pollution had been prioritised in recent years and the Public Health Framework and Indicators had improved, however it was thought further work was required to join up action undertaken across Local Authorities.

Councillor Key questioned the Interim Consultant for Public Health and received responses on the following matters:

·         Whether the type of particulate matter was more important that the mass or level of matter.

It was explained a number of variables affected health of individuals and communities, and that length and the volume of exposure were particularly important.

·         In reference to the opportunities to increase impact for health, he observed that Thurrock had high levels of exposure due to the fact that the Borough had the biggest economy in East Anglia and Essex. However he recognised that most of the opportunities identified targeted individual people rather than businesses and questioned whether these were aimed at the wrong target audience.

Officers agreed that a balance needed to be achieved with Thurrock’s growing economy. The Director of Adults, Health and Commissioning explained that a link needed to be established with the planning process, business board and local employers to both attract businesses and control emissions in the Borough.

·         He asked whether any schools were located within Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA).

The Committee were advised that there were a number of Air Quality Management Areas in Thurrock, which did encompass some schools.

·         If particulate matter pollution was easily measurable as a Key Performance Indicator (KPI).

Members were advised that there was an indicator for particulate matter and so it was easily measurable.

Councillor Snell questioned whether it was counter-productive to slow traffic down in attempt to reduce pollution, as it would make journeys slower and longer. In response it was explained that slow and steady journeys through traffic calming measures were better in order to reduce pollution levels.

Councillor Brookes asked whether it was possible to measure and compare pollution in different parts of the Borough, to which it was explained that officers continued to monitor pollution across the Borough.

A brief discussion took place in response to Members concerns about health inequalities between different wards in the Borough due to varying pollution exposure levels. Officers explained that Thurrock was doing good work but it was proposed an officer working group be established to examine where the local authority should concentrate its efforts in order to achieve the greatest impact.

The Director of Adults, Health and Commissioning further reported that air pollution was an issue both regionally and nationally, and that Thurrock benefitted from its work with Public Health to examine where it impacted on other parts of the Local Authority.

The Chair read the new proposed recommendation to the Committee, which was agreed.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the contents of the report be noted.

2.         That an officer working group be established to consider how air quality objectives can be improved in Thurrock.