Beacon Scheme Round 8: delivering cleaner air

The Beacon Scheme, which was introduced in 1999, is intended to recognise excellence amongst local authorities and facilitate the spread of best practice and in turn drive up local authorities’ performance. Round 8 of the Beacon Scheme is being launched on 20 March 2006. In Round 8, Defra has a beacon theme, Delivering Cleaner Air.

Under this theme, Beacons will have to demonstrate full appreciation of their air quality duties under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 and make appropriate links with their other duties under Local Air Pollution Prevention Control and Local Integrated Pollution Prevention Control, and local enforcement of the Clean Air Act 1993, and dealing with statutory nuisances under Section 79 of Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Beacons will have to show evidence that they promote air quality beyond statutory duties and work in partnership to minimise impacts of air pollution and deliver improvements to local air quality. Beacons will also have developed innovative ways of raising awareness of air quality issues and engaging other local government departments and also involving the local community in the local air quality management process.

For further information on the Beacon Scheme and how to apply please visit the Improvement and Development Agency’s (IDeA’s) website where you can download the Round 8 application brochure at

http://www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=71697

All enquiries regarding the application process should be made to the Beacon Team at IDeA – contact details are: telephone- 020 7296 6587 or email –

beacons@idea.gov.uk