IAQM and EPIC present evidence to the EAC's inquiry into air pollution in England

Representatives from the IAQM and EPIC have presented evidence to the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) as part of its inquiry into air pollution in England. At the start of 2026, the EAC opened this inquiry following a successful pitch by Mums for Lungs and the University of Southampton, along with submissions by the IES, IAQM and other organisations to its Environment in Focus call for inquiry topics. 

Both IAQM and EPIC submitted written evidence to the inquiry, and representatives from each organisation were invited to also present oral evidence.

Sarah Legge, Vice Chair of EPIC presented evidence on the 18th March and highlighted the following:

• Air quality monitoring is essential, but under threat
• There's more work to be done, but we know enough to take action now

IAQM President Claire Holman and Vice Chair Kieran Laxen gave evidence on the 20th May, championing key points related to: 

• The importance of the land-use planning system in improving air quality
• The need for greater resourcing/funding of air quality expertise in local government

Sarah, Claire and Kieran all highlighted the signficant impacts of air quality on public health and the need for new ambitious air quality targets. 

Read the written submissions to find out more about the priorities of both EPIC and the IAQM. 

The IAQM submission focuses mainly on the role of the land-use planning system in improving air quality, drawing on the experience of IAQM Members. The IES response offers a wider perspective, including the inadequacy of national targets and objectives, and the link between national policy and local action.

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