Solihull's air quality has been praised for a downward trend in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, but concerns have been raised over a rise in deaths linked to particulate air pollution. The annual air quality report, presented at the latest climate change and planning decision session, highlighted that the estimated fraction of all-cause adult mortality attributable to anthropogenic particulate air pollution was 5.5 per cent, an increase from 5.4 per cent the previous year.
Council's Long-Term Plan Shows Positive NO2 Trends
Amanda Clover, the council's senior development officer for air quality, noted that nitrogen dioxide has been the main pollutant for several years. She stated: "The calendar year for 2025 has shown an overall downward trend (in NO2) across the borough, which is positive news." However, a report written by officers acknowledged that a small number of sites showed slight increases in NO2 concentrations in 2024, though early 2026 data does not indicate significant increases. The council continues to scrutinize these sites and works with the West Midlands Combined Authority and local partners to address air quality targets.
Concerns Over Rising Mortality Rate
Councillor Max McLoughlin expressed discomfort with the rising mortality rate linked to particulate pollution, noting that Solihull's figure of 5.5 per cent was higher than the West Midlands regional average of 5.3 per cent and England's average of 5.3 per cent. He questioned: "I don’t feel comfortable we are talking about a rising mortality rate in relation to one of these pollutants, and then saying ‘it’s worse elsewhere’ as if that is a kind of get out of free jail card. Is there any further explanation why?"
Officer Nick Laws, senior public health specialist, responded: "We are working with our health colleagues. Hopefully over the next six months we get a better picture of what respiratory data is saying and what it means. It is quite difficult to get to the bottom of that information - but it is something we are doing."
Cabinet Portfolio Holder Endorses Report
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, cabinet portfolio holder, described the overall air quality report as "good news for the borough" and endorsed the report at the meeting held on July 22. The council continues to implement its long-term plan to tackle air pollutants and improve air quality across Solihull.
