Essex Air Consultation

Essex councils are working together to tackle the largest environmental risk to public health.

As air quality in Essex is affected by a wide range of different emission sources and pollution does not respect local authority boundaries, we recognise that only by working together can we achieve meaningful change.

Residents, businesses and organisations across Essex, Southend and Thurrock are encouraged to have their say on a new strategy to improve air quality.

Air pollution is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. In Essex, more than one in 20 deaths are estimated to be linked in some part to air pollution.

Air pollution reduces life expectancy by causing heart and lung diseases and is connected to other health impacts, such as dementia.

Councils in Essex, Southend and Thurrock have taken action to improve local air quality for a number of years, but have now come together to jointly develop the new strategy through the Essex Air Quality Consortium.

The consortium’s draft Essex Air Quality Strategy sets out aims and a shared vision to improve air quality across the region.

The strategy outlines actions the Essex Air Quality Consortium plans to take to tackle air pollution and help improve people’s health.

The strategy has been produced in partnership with all district, borough and city councils across Essex, as well as Essex County Council and the two unitary councils, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council.

The Essex Air Quality Strategy is also supported by various public sector organisations, including local NHS trusts, Essex Police and the Essex Fire and Rescue Service.

The public are now being encouraged to share their feedback on the draft strategy as part of a consultation launched Monday 20 January running until 2 March 2025.