Cleaner air for Scotland: progress report 2018-2019

C1

Development of a Scottish air quality Indicator to assist in assessing compliance with air quality legislation and delivery of CAFS objectives.

SG and contractor

16/17

The final report from the Institute of Occupational Medicine was submitted to the Scottish Government, as was the report of a follow up project undertaken by the University of Glasgow.

Consideration is being given to the future of this action. Defra's Daily Air Quality Index and the Know and Respond app are available through the Scottish Air Quality Database for those looking to access information about air pollution levels in their area and potential impact on health.

Significant progress

Further consideration of this action in 2020 as part of the CAFS redraft

C2

CAFS will support the ongoing Greener Scotland communication campaigns, encouraging individuals to use the car less to improve their health and their local environment.

SG/EPS

16/17

CAFS Communications events such as Clean Air Day, led by Environmental Protection Scotland, have strongly aligned with Greener Scotland campaign messages.

Complete

C3

A national AQ public awareness campaign will be developed.

HPS/SG/TS/ EPS

15/20

A number of the CAFS communications actions (such as clean air day, air quality exhibit and education projects) have continued to raise public awareness of air quality as an issue. A national Low Emission Zone website has also been developed by Transport Scotland.

The CAFS Communications subgroup, chaired by Environmental Protection Scotland and with support from Health Protection Scotland has recommended that further social research into current levels of public understanding and awareness of air quality is required in order to inform further development of an effective national public awareness campaign. This was also a key recommendation from the independent review of CAFS, and will be taken forward as part of the CAFS redraft in 2020.

Significant Progress

New Action

Citizen science initiatives based around schools and education

15/20

SEPA has been working with schools in several local authorities on the CleanAir@School project, enabling pupils to measure air pollution at their school, with trends being used to build evidence for behaviour change actions. The project has 10 Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) across Europe participating.

Learn About Air is a dedicated teaching resource, linked to Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence, for pupils to learn about air quality, the impact it has on their lives and how they can influence it. It also provides a powerful mechanism to feed this message back into the pupil's home environment, thus reaching the wider population.

Complete

On-going delivery

LP1

A refocused Local Air Quality Management system will be implemented.

SG

16/20

A revised Local Air Quality Management system was launched in 2016, which has included a streamlined reporting process, and more recently, integration of the National Low Emissions Framework assessment (see LP10-12). The recent independent review of CAFS made a number of Local Air Quality Management recommendations, which will be considered further during the 2020 redraft of CAFS.

Complete

LP2

A PM_2.5 monitoring network will be established.

SG

16/18

The PM_2.5 monitoring network now contains 55 sites

Complete

LP3

Revised and updated Scottish NO₂ action plans will be produced to demonstrate how compliance with the EU Ambient AQ Directive will be achieved by 2020.

SG

15/20

A response to the revised UK action plans submitted in July 2017 is awaited from the European Commission. A response was due to be received in April 2018, but this has been postponed.

Complete

LP4

Design, develop and implement a two-level modelling system for regional and local scales (NMF).

SEPA/SG/TS

16/18

Local Modelling Framework: The local air quality model methodology has been designed and implemented by SEPA. Local models have been produced for Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, and are currently being used to support the design and delivery of Low Emission Zones.

Complete

SEPA/SG/TS

16/18

Regional Modelling Framework: A necessary initial focus on the local models to support Low Emission Zone implementation in the four largest cities, together with a lack of regional traffic data has resulted in some slippage, and a revised date for completion in 2020. However significant progress has been made on the methodology for the regional model. See LP5.

Significant progress

LP5

Evaluate the requirements of a regional model and then support its development during the first 2 years of implementing CAFS.

SEPA/SG/TS

16/18

The methodology for the regional air quality model has been successfully developed, and evaluated against the Dutch model on which it is based. Regional traffic data issues were identified which have delayed implementation. Funding has now been identified to resolve this in part, with the first phase of data gathering focussing on a specific region before wider implementation. Implementation of the regional model will be taken forward in the revised CAFS strategy.

Significant progress

LP6

Develop guidance and promote a support network for all practitioners involved in reviewing and assessing local impacts on air quality resulting from regional decision-making.

SEPA/SG/TS

15/17

Local Modelling Framework: A robust support network for the local models has been developed via the National Modelling Framework and Low Emission Zone delivery groups. SEPA has taken on responsibility of providing assistance to any other local authorities undertaking National Low Emission Framework appraisals in the future which may require a detailed local air quality model.

Complete

15/17

Regional Modelling Framework: Guidance for the regional model will be developed when the regional model has been implemented, and is on schedule for delivery under a revised timescale. See LP5.

Significant progress

LP7

Undertake detailed modelling of all 4 major cities and associated adjoining spaces in Scotland, covering areas associated with highest levels of poor AQ.

SEPA/SG/TS

16/18

Detailed air quality models for Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow are complete, and continuing to be reviewed and updated as required. Cities are setting up Low Emission Zone Delivery Groups, but maintaining the National Modelling Framework subgroups to provide technical support and low emission zone scenario testing.

Complete

LP8

Identify requirements and undertake data collection requirements for additional urban areas within 3 years of implementing CAFS.

SEPA/SG/TS

16/19

Additional areas requiring detailed local air quality models will be identified through the National Low Emissions Framework Stage 1 screening assessment, to be undertaken by Local Authorities and reported through the Local Air Quality Management System Annual Progress Report 2020.

Significant progress

On schedule for completion in 2020

LP9

Implement the national databases for traffic data collection and local modelling outputs associated with CAFS.

SEPA

15/17

Local model outputs: SEPA has collated air quality and traffic data for each of the four local models, and presented these in a range of visualisation tools for local authority practitioners, alongside the enhanced data analysis applications previously developed which provide a visual interface for public interrogation of air quality datasets. The local air quality model applications are password protected for local authority and partner use alone, as these will relate to the development of appropriate actions and Low Emission Zone option appraisals.

Complete

TS

15/17

Traffic data: A more centralised traffic database is required to ensure that a standard approach is taken to collecting and presenting traffic information across Scotland. This would also support the National Modelling Framework regional model. The National Transport Data System (NTDS), managed by Transport Scotland, became operational in July 2016. The CAFS review made a number of recommendations with regards to traffic data, and these will be considered as part of the revised CAFS strategy.

Significant progress

LP10

By April 2016, in further consultation with partner organisations, the National Low Emission Framework criteria, tests, and processes will be developed, agreed, and finalised.

TS

15/17

The National Low Emission Framework was published in January 2019, after being updated to take account of feedback on the initial draft from local authorities and SEPA to ensure alignment and integration with the existing Local Air Quality Management regime and Low Emission Zone commitments included in the 2017/19 Programme for Government. Local Authorities with Air Quality Management Areas declared for transport emissions will report the results of their Stage 1 National Low Emission Framework screening assessment in their 2020 Annual Progress Reports.

Complete

LP11

A standard appraisal process will be designed and implemented for assessing local air quality measures.

TS

15/17

Guidance on how Local Authorities should carry out the National Low Emission Framework Stage 1 assessment has been developed. The Annual Progress Report template for 2020 will be updated to include this guidance.

Complete

LP12

Develop the software tools and associated guidance for the National Low Emissions Framework, including funding options and technical reports that will underpin the evidence on effectiveness of options.

TS

15/16

See LP10 and LP11

Complete

New Action

Progress made towards EU compliance by 2020 (contributions from various CAFS, Local Air Quality Management initiatives and updated National Modelling Framework modelling data).

15/20

Further modelling will be undertaken in 2020 to assess compliance with the requirements of the EU ambient air quality Directive.

Scottish local authorities made an important contribution to development of the zonal plans, which summarise the wide range of measures being implemented by authorities as part of their Air Quality Action Plans, which complement actions being undertaken by central government.

Significant progress

New Action

Reduction in the number of existing Air Quality Management Areas (i.e. revoked, substances revoked) and new Air Quality Management Areas being declared.

15/20

Declarations for a number of substances within Air Quality Management Areas have been revoked or amended since CAFS was published, and there has been a reduction in new Air Quality Management Areas being declared. Scottish Government has written to all Local Authorities with Air Quality Management Areas to request an update and/or submission of final Air Quality Action Plans, and an assessment of current Air Quality Management status with a view to considering whether revocations may be appropriate, in line with one of the key overarching objectives of CAFS to see significant progress towards revocation of all Air Quality Management Areas by 2020.

Complete

Ongoing delivery

New Action

Production of Scotland's contribution to UK National Air Pollution Control Programme (required by the NECD).

18/19

Scottish Government provided Defra with content to inform and support the National Air Pollution Control Programme. The Programme was published in April 2019. The review of CAFS also recommended that work should be undertaken on habitats and emissions to set appropriate targets in the context on the UK requirements under the National Emissions Ceiling Directive (see below on CAFS review).

Complete

New Action

Review of CAFS undertaken with a revised strategy to be in place for 2020

18/19

An independent review of CAFS was carried out during 2019, led by a steering group and informed by four expert working groups. The review produced a number of recommendations which the Scottish Government will use to inform the redrafting of CAFS in 2020.

Significant progress

On schedule for completion end of 2020

H1

World Health Organisation guideline values for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 will be included in legislation as Scottish AQ objectives.

SG

16/17

PM_2.5: The Air Quality (Scotland) Amendment Regulations came into force in 2016, and introduced the World Health Organisation guideline value for PM_2.5 (10 μg/m³ as an annual average) into Scottish legislation. Scotland is the first county in Europe to include this more stringent guideline value in domestic legislation. This comes into effect on 31 December 2020.

Complete

16/17

PM₁₀: Given that the World Health Organisation guideline value is less stringent that the current Scottish objective (20μg/m³ compared to 18μg/m³), it is possible that a number of Air Quality Management Areas could be revoked following such a change, through having PM₁₀ concentrations higher than the current Scottish objective but lower than the World Health Organisation guideline value.

In order to avoid PM₁₀ Air Quality Management Areas being revoked and then declared for PM_2.5 exceedances, no change to the PM₁₀ objective will take place until sufficient data has been gathered to determine PM_2.5 concentrations across Air Quality Management Areas in Scotland.

Given the significant expansion of the PM_2.5 monitoring network (see LP2), it is envisaged that sufficient PM_2.5 data will be available to allow a final decision to be made post 2020.

Significant progress

Further consideration of this action in 2020 as part of the CAFS redraft

H2

NHS boards and their LA partners will include reference to air quality and health in the next revision of their Joint Health Protection Plans, which should identify and address specific local priority issues.

HPS

16/18

A survey of all NHS boards (NHSBs) in Scotland was carried out in late 2017. This identified that a majority of the NHSBs had either already included air quality as a topic in their current Joint Health Protection Plan, or were planning to include it in the next revision of their plan. This was an encouraging finding. The initial results of the Joint Health Protection Plan survey were shared with the Scottish Parliament Health and Sport Committee, which held an evidence hearing in relation to air pollution and health in early April 2018.

The Air Pollution and Health Group, subgroup of the Scottish Health Protection Network, chaired by Health Protection Scotland, has produced an updated briefing paper on air pollution and health, which provides links to relevant sources of data. Future briefings are planned to include recommendations derived from the survey of Joint Health Protection Plans as well as to provide links to guidance on interventions to reduce air pollution for health benefit.

Complete

New action

Updated PM_2.5 mortality data produced by HPS for Scotland.

18

An update to the 2014 HPS briefing note 'Air Quality (PM_2.5 particulate air pollution) and Mortality in Scotland' was published in June 2018.

Complete

New action

Evaluability Assessment developed for Low Emission Zones

20

The Air Pollution and Health sub group has developed an 'Evaluability Assessment' to investigate options for evaluating the outcomes, including health outcomes, associated with operating a Low Emission Zone. A report is complete and due for publication in early 2020.

Complete

T1

All Local Authorities should ensure that they have a corporate travel plan (perhaps within a carbon management plan) which is consistent with any local air quality action plan.

SEPA

16/17

The Local Air Quality Management Annual Progress Report template was updated to allow local authorities to report on CAFS related actions. A review of the information provided in the Annual Progress Reports for 2017 indicated that while many Local Authorities have a corporate travel plan or similar transport strategy in place, more guidance is required to ensure these are effectively linked with Air Quality Action Plans. The need for additional guidance on integration of transport and air quality strategies will be considered as part of the CAFS redraft during 2020.

Significant progress

T2

Finalise and deliver the National Walking Strategy Delivery Plan by 2016.

TS

16/17

In April 2019 Transport Scotland developed and delivered the Let's Get Scotland Walking Action Plan. This is a high level plan that was developed to assist in the delivery of Let's Get Scotland Walking - the National Walking Strategy and its vision. The National Walking Strategy sits within the context of A More Active Scotland Delivery Plan, Active Scotland Outcomes Framework, National Planning Framework and the Long-term Vision for Active Travel in Scotland 2030.

Complete

T3

Work with partners to deliver our shared vision in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland that by 2020, 10% of everyday journeys will be made by bike.

TS

16/20

Progress towards meeting the Cycling Action Plan headline shared vision of 10% of everyday journeys being made by bike has been slower than envisaged. A statement was made to Parliament by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity on 18 June 2019 to confirm that the vision will not be met.

Transport Scotland is undertaking a broad programme of analytical work and engagement with delivery partners to better understand where making progress in improving rates of active travel is being made, and where it is not. As part of this the Active Travel Framework was published in December 2019 that sets out the key objectives and outcomes all partners are expected to demonstrate in grant activity.

Transport Scotland doubled the already record investment in walking and cycling, from £39.2 million £80 million in 2018-19, and sustained this for 2019-20. The doubling of the active travel budget – plus match funding from local authorities and other partners - will allow investment in major capital infrastructure and behaviour change projects, which will increase active travel levels and reduce emissions through modal shift to walking and cycling.

Significant progress

T4

Support for green buses will be reviewed by 2016 including scope for supporting retrofitting existing vehicles, taking account of technological and market developments and the need to tackle air quality as well as climate change.

TS

16/17

The 8^th round of the Scottish Green Bus Fund has been delivered. To date over £17m of investment has supported deployment of 475 low emission buses through the Bus Services Operators Grant, Low Emission Vehicle incentive introduced in April 2019, and the Bus Emissions Abatement Retrofit fund.

As announced in Programme for Government 2019/20, as part of Transport Mission Zero, Transport Scotland are exploring new financing options to accelerate deployment of zero emission vehicles.

Complete

T5

Evaluate the Bus Investment Fund in 2016 to learn from supported projects and inform decisions on options for future support for local projects to improve public transport.

TS

16/17

The Programme for Government 2019/20 announced over £500m of long term investment in bus priority infrastructure.

Complete

T6

The Bus Operators Grant will be reviewed by 2016 including options to incentivise the use of low emission buses.

TS

16/17

See T4.

Complete

T7

By 2016, review guidance and legislation on the powers of local transport authorities regarding bus service to see if they could be made more effective and to ensure enough priority is given to air quality alongside other considerations.

TS

16/17

Decisions on guidance to local authorities and regional transport authorities regarding bus services and consideration of air quality will now be made during 2020/21 to support the provisions of the Transport Act now passed and give effect to the strategic direction set by the new National Transport Strategy. This will be considered as part of the redraft of CAFS in 2020.

Revised timescale

Further consideration of this action in 2020 as part of the CAFS redraft

T8

Continue delivery of actions contained in Switched On Scotland: A Roadmap to Widespread Adoption of Plug-In Vehicles.

TS

16/20

Transport Scotland's Charge Place Scotland network has expanded to over 1000 publicly available electric vehicle charge points including nearly 200 'rapid' charge points, one of the most comprehensive networks in Europe. The continued development of this public network demonstrates the Scottish Government's determination to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032.Work is continuing with all 32 Scottish Local Authorities, and private businesses and commercial operators through the Energy Saving Trust, to further develop and strengthen the ChargePlace network.

The overall budget for the Low Carbon Transport Loan was increased from £8m to £20m for 2018/19, while the Switched on Fleets budget was increased from £1.2m to £4.8m in 2018/19. A new funding stream of £10m for 'Switched on Towns and cities Challenge Fund' was also announced.

Complete

T9

Review the Roadmap and develop a post- 2015 plug-in vehicle action plan.

TS

16/17

"Switched On Scotland Phase Two - An Action Plan for Growth" was published on 13 June 2017, and supersedes the previous Roadmap. The 2017 Programme for Government commitment "to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and light vans by 2032" further builds on the work of the refreshed roadmap's action plan and a delivery plan for this has now been published.

Complete

T10

Work with key partners to investigate the use of hydrogen as a transport fuel, as well as exploring wider environmental and economic opportunities of using hydrogen for energy applications – especially in promoting renewables, energy balancing and storage.

TS

15/17

In line with the Scottish Government's Energy Strategy, policy on hydrogen as an alternative low carbon transport fuel is now being developed by Transport Scotland in collaboration with Scottish Government colleagues in Energy Directorate and the Enterprise Agencies, in tandem with thinking on the role for hydrogen in low carbon heat, energy storage, and energy systems balancing.

Complete

T11

Continue to engage with our partners on the role less carbon intensive fuels such as liquid petroleum gas, compressed natural gas and biofuels can play in the transition to a near zero emission road transport sector by 2050.

TS

16/20

In line with the Scottish Government's Energy Strategy, it is recognised that the contribution of lower carbon alternative liquid and gaseous fuels will play a significant role in the transition to a decarbonised transport sector. Transport Scotland are working with Scottish Government Energy colleagues, as well as UK Government and relevant industry and academia stakeholders to ensure that policy in this area is most effective to encourage uptake of such fuels.

Complete

T12

Encourage each local authority with an air quality management area to create a Freight Quality Partnership and consider appropriate measures for air quality improvement by 2017.

TS

17/18

The main forum for partnership working on freight is the Scottish Freight and Logistics Advisory Group. There is an Urban Freight subgroup comprising the lead freight officials of the Regional Transport Partnerships and local authorities, with a remit to share best practice, identify opportunities, and co-ordinate activity aimed at increasing the sustainability, safety and efficiency of freight movements in Scotland's urban areas. An Urban Freight guidance document was published in December 2019, which contains a section on Freight Quality Partnerships.

Complete

T13

Encourage Freight Quality Partnerships to extend their activities to include consideration of the environmental impact of freight transport.

TS

17/18

See T12

Complete

T14

Review existing Ministerial guidance on Regional and Local Transport Strategies during 2016 in the light of the refreshed National Transport Strategy.

TS

16/17

The National Transport Strategy (NTS) refresh recommended a full scale review of the NTS. The updated NTS was published in February 2020 and recommends a review of transport governance in Scotland to identify new models for transport governance. The review of Local and Regional Transport Strategies was on hold awaiting the publication of the updated NTS. This action will now be considered during the redraft of CAFS in 2020 in line with revised timescales.

Revised timescale

Further consideration of this action in 2020 as part of the CAFS redraft

T15

Trunk road impacts on Air Quality Management Areas will be reviewed and implement mitigation where trunk roads are the primary contributor to air pollutants.

TS

16/18

Transport Scotland contributed to the development of the draft Crieff Air Quality Action Plan by Perth and Kinross Council. The key aim is to identify transport-related actions that could be implemented to mitigate air pollution, where the main source of pollution is from traffic on the A85. The final plan was published during 2019.

Complete

Ongoing delivery

New action

Implementation of Glasgow Low Emission Zone by 01/01/2019 (Phase 1) and ongoing work (Phases 2 – 5)

17/20

Scotland's first Low Emission Zone came into effect in Glasgow city centre on 31 December 2018. A phased approach is being taken, with phase 1 applying to buses, before full implementation by 31 December 2022, when all vehicles entering the zone will have to meet specified exhaust emission standards.

Complete

Ongoing delivery

New action

Work to implement Low Emission Zones in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee.

17/20

Work is underway to implement Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in the remaining three cities by 2020, with LEZ city delivery groups reviewing and implementing the evidence provided by the national modelling framework local models.

The new Transport (Scotland) Act contains provisions to enable the creation and civil enforcement of LEZs by local authorities and allows the Scottish Government to set consistent national standards. A consultation on LEZ regulations and guidance is also currently underway.

Significant progress

On schedule for completion end of 2020

P1

Ensure that future updates and revisions to Scottish Planning Policy and National Planning Framework will take account of CAFS.

SG

16/20

Delivery of actions P1 and P2 was largely held back, while outcomes were awaited from 'Places, People and Planning: A consultation on the future of the Scottish Planning System', and the associated Planning Bill, now Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. A clear understanding of the likely outcomes from the review was required, particularly on how development plans are prepared, whether supplementary guidance is required, and which guidance may be embedded in the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), before engagement with local authorities on the strategic CAFS Placemaking actions could properly progress. Actions P1 and P2 will be reviewed and refreshed as part of the CAFS 2020 redraft, in conjunction with the team preparing NPF4.

Complete

Next steps to be considered in CAFS redraft

P2

Expect planning authorities to review Local Development Plans and revise at the next scheduled update to ensure policies are consistent with CAFS objectives and any Local Authority Air Quality Action Plans.

SG

16/17

See P1

Complete

Next steps to be considered in CAFS redraft

P3

Work with Environmental Protection Scotland to produce updated guidance on air quality and planning.

SG

16/17

"Delivering Cleaner Air for Scotland; Development Planning and Development Management" was launched in February 2017. The guidance is intended to be used in the planning system for evaluating air quality. Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS) with assistance from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland updated the guidance document "Land-Use Planning and Development Control: Planning for Air Quality", developed by Environmental Protection UK (EPUK) and the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM).

EPS tailored this guidance to Scotland, given its different planning system and air quality standards and objectives. EPS's air quality expert group, which is chaired by Ricardo Energy and Environment, and includes members from SEPA, local authorities, consultants, and the Scottish Government all provided comments and input to the document.

Complete

P4

Work with SEPA to introduce air quality training for local authority spatial and transport planners.

SG

15/17

The air quality training package for local authority planners has been delivered by SEPA to a number of local authority planners, and wider stakeholders.

Complete

P5

Support SEPA in revising its guidance on Strategic Environmental Assessment to bring it into line with CAFS.

SG

15/17

SEPA published its revised Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) air quality guidance in April 2017. Representatives from the CAFS Governance Group engaged with the appropriate leads in SEPA, to ensure the revised guidance took account of CAFS.

Complete

New action

Development of Place Standard tool/guidance specifically for air quality assessments

17/19

An air quality-focussed 'technical version' of the Place Standard tool was developed and trialled in conjunction with the Place Standard Implementation Team to support the CAFS work, encourage more proactive consideration of air quality earlier in the planning process, and to enable better conversations within local authorities and communities of interest on air quality improvement measures, Local Air Quality Management action planning and Low Emission Zones. The ongoing review of the Place Standard has taken account of the outputs of this project. The technical version of the tool will also be included in the mobile version of the Glasgow Science Centre CAFS exhibit (see C3).

Complete

CC1

Ensure that future updates to the 'Low Carbon Scotland: Meeting Our Emissions Reduction Targets' publication on meeting our climate change targets take into account air quality impacts.

SG

16/17

A CAFS Climate Change Sub-group was brought together in 2016, drawing widely on the expertise in relevant organisations throughout Scotland. Following even wider consultation, advice and challenge, the Sub-group completed its report "Synergies and Tensions between Climate Change and Air Quality Actions" in October 2016. The report, including 50 key findings, was submitted to the Scottish Government teams drafting the Scottish Climate Change Plan. The Sub-group also contributed to the work of a UK cross-department group that has been set up to explore the requirements and opportunities for cross disciplinary research to provide a stronger evidence base for analysing the synergies and tensions of policy and regulation of air quality and climate change.

There is ongoing engagement with the team currently revising Scottish Government's Climate Change plan, to ensure air quality impacts are fully considered, and the potential for multiple benefits is maximised.

Complete

CC2

Expect any Scottish Local Authority which has or is currently developing a Sustainable Energy Action Plan to ensure that air quality considerations are covered.

SG/LA

18/19

The Local Air Quality Management annual progress report template has been updated to allow local authorities to report on CAFS related actions. A review of the information provided in the annual progress reports for 2017 indicates the following progress has been made:

12 authorities have reported that they have a Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) which includes air quality considerations, or are currently developing a SEAP.

2 authorities do not have a formally adopted SEAP and are not in the process of developing one at this time.

18 authorities have not submitted enough information to determine their progress with action CC2. Although most have climate change policies of some sort, it is not clear if they take air quality policies in to consideration.

SEPA and Scottish Government will consider as part of the CAFS redraft during 2020 what next steps or guidance may be required to encourage those Local Authorities developing SEAPs to ensure air quality is considered.

Significant Progress

Next steps to be considered as part of the CAFS redraft in 2020

CC3

Forestry Commission Scotland will publish updated guidance on the impact of biomass on air quality to help Local Authorities fulfil their statutory responsibilities.

FCS

15/17

In November 2014 the then Minister for Business, Energy & Tourism met with local authorities to discuss biomass procurement. Attendees requested clarification on existing legislation and guidance relating to air quality and biomass boilers installed under the Renewable Heat Incentive. Consequently, Forestry Commission Scotland has produced guidance on this issue which was published in November 2015.

Complete