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Answer:

The type of air pollution we are exposed to can impact both our physical and mental well-being in different ways, leading to serious health problems:

 

 

For further information visit Chief Medical Officer’s Annual Report 2022: Air Pollution

Answer:

On average in the UK, we spend 90% of our time indoors (homes, schools, workplaces, other public spaces and on transport). Indoor environments are more complex than outdoor environments, with pollutant levels that vary widely both between and within buildings.

Sources of indoor pollution in a home:

CO and NO₂ from fires and wood- burning stoves, VOCs and formaldehyde from carpets, paints, glues, furniture and air fresheners, tobacco smoke, pet dander.

What you can do:

  • Avoid smoking indoors.
  • Ventilate regularly – open windows or use extractor fans, especially when cooking or cleaning.
  • Choose low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, cleaners, and air fresheners.
  • Fix leaks and use a dehumidifier to prevent mould.
  • Ensure boilers, stoves, and fireplaces are maintained and safe.
  • Use indoor plants – some can help filter air naturally.

 

Answer:

We often notice pollution when we are outdoors but knowing how to protect ourselves from it is not always clear.

Check Local Air Quality Forecasts 

Get real-time pollution forecasts and alerts from airTEXT,  and check Clean Air Routes, and Air Aware to help you plan safer travel and outdoor activities.

Limit outdoor activities like running or cycling when pollution levels are high, especially if you have asthma or heart/lung problems. 

Choose When and Where You Travel

  • Avoid busy roads, walk or cycle along quieter streets or through parks when possible.
  • Travel outside rush hours, pollution levels are usually lower in the early morning or later in the evening.
  • Stay away of busy traffic or industrial areas if possible.

Protect Vulnerable People

  • Children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions should take extra care on high pollution days.
  • Keep medication (like inhalers) with you and use it as prescribed.
  • Schools can reduce outdoor playtime on days with poor air quality.

Avoid Creating More Pollution

  • Don’t idle your car engine while waiting or parked.
  • Combine trips to reduce unnecessary driving.
  • Walk, cycle, or use public transport when you can, it helps you and everyone else.

Take Advantage of Green Spaces

  • Spend time in parks and open green areas, which usually have cleaner air than roadsides.
  • Plant trees and shrubs in your garden or community; they help absorb pollutants and improve air quality over time.

  

Answer:

We have created a set of information sheets on key topics such as:

  • governance
  • best practices
  • policy development
  • and funding

Which are now available on the Voluntary and Community Sector webpages.

Answer:
We approved a Grants Framework in November 2024 to ensure greater consistency and effective management of grant programmes across the organisation. This includes the VCS. 
Answer:
We have worked with the VCS to develop a community engagement toolkit to support engagement and consultation with VCS organisations and the local community. As part of the Council’s Continuous Improvement Plan, on-going review of community engagement, including with the VCS, is undertaken.
Answer:

We along with the VCS have agreed to a new VCS Compact. It has been approved by Cooperate (VCS & Council Partnership) Cabinet in November 2025. This sets out the:

  • values
  • principles
  • practices that will guide how both parties work together

This will ensure collaboration is:

  • effective
  • transparent
  • focused on improving the lives of borough residents.
Answer:

We hold events throughout the year, such as:

  • VCS Awards
  • funding fairs
  • community buildings
  • other service specific events and forums

We are committed to making sure that celebrating the impact of the VCS is a core part of the borough’s ‘We Love Tower Hamlets’ campaign.

 

Answer:
We have drafted a new community engagement recognition policy, which will be published soon. It will recognise local residents and VCS organisations for their input into partnership working and local coproduction processes.
Answer:
We have reviewed our park hire application process and has introduced a number of steps to increase the accessibility of the process for community applicants. This includes organising community training for people who want to organise events in its parks and open spaces.
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