Brent Council has reiterated its commitment to reducing pollution in the borough in the same week the Government launched an ambitious clean air strategy.

It outlined the need to improve the air quality in the region despite funding cuts and said it will remain a priority in the coming years.

On Monday, Environment Secretary Michael Gove presented the Government’s latest approach to improving the environment – including plans to reduce the impact of diesel and petrol vehicles, tackle agricultural pollution and address domestic fires.

Councillors in Brent agreed that it is important to face such issues head on to “protect our children’s futures”.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, who is responsible for the environment at Brent Council, said: “Air pollution is an issue that affects everyone who lives and works in Brent and we are committed to make our air cleaner.

“Poor air quality causes health risks and the most vulnerable groups like children, older people and those with heart and respiratory conditions are most affected.”

She explained that the council has taken measures to improve air quality in Brent by introducing dockless electric bikes and more electric vehicle charging points and supporting anti-idling campaigns.

Despite the Government’s commitments, she urged it to end the funding cuts which she believes are harming local authorities.

She added: “By 2020 the money we receive directly from Government will have been slashed by 79 per cent, which is putting huge pressure on our work to cut air pollution.

“It’s time for the government to end the cuts to our budget so we can speed up our work to clean Brent’s air.”

The clean air strategy looks to reduce exposure to particulate matter, which is viewed by the World Health Organisation as most dangerous pollutant.

It vows to end the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040 and ensure that only the “cleanest stoves” for ‘domestic burning’ are on sale by 2022.

Mr Gove said: “The evidence is clear. While air quality has improved significantly in recent years, air pollution continues to shorten lives, harm our children and reduce quality of life. We must take strong, urgent action.”

He added that local authorities will be given “new powers” to increase the rate of upgrades of inefficient and polluting heating appliances.