DECISION

1.    To note the report of the Environment scrutiny challenge on “examining the Council’s Air Quality Commitments and impacts on residents’ health outcomes” and agree the service action plan in response to the report recommendations.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Director of Public Realm (D. Jones)

(Head of EHTS (D. Tolley)

Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, introduced the report on the Service Action Plan in response to a Scrutiny review of Air Quality in Tower Hamlets. There were nine recommendations from scrutiny and responses were set out in all cases including a number that had already been completed. She thanked Scrutiny for their work on this important issue.

During discussion the action taken in relation to pollution from canal boats was welcomed. The meeting also heard concerns around the Liveable Streets programme and its impact on traffic in some areas. The Mayor reported that managing pollution from cars was important and that the schemes had improved the lives of residents. There would be further announcements in relation to the liveable streets programme shortly including reacting to feedback from residents. Finally, it was noted that the intention of the actions in relation to cars idling was around educating drivers.

The Mayor proposed the recommendation as set out in the report. This was unanimously agreed by the Cabinet Members present, and it was:

RESOLVED

1.    To note the report of the Environment scrutiny challenge on “examining the Council’s Air Quality Commitments and impacts on residents’ health outcomes” and agree the service action plan in response to the report recommendations.