What's New
Keeping you Up-to-Date with Changes to the LAQM Pages
The LAQM Helpdesk is operated on behalf of Defra and the Devolved Administrations by Bureau Veritas, in conjunction with contract partners AECOM and the National Physical Laboratory, and replaces the three previously separate helpdesks which were in operation for LAQM.
2026 Updates
7 May 2026
Updated Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v14.1)
Changes to Version 14.1 relate to the correction of process errors in the user interface for Bespoke Euro Fleets in the London region.
For details of all the changes implemented in v14.1 and information on how to use the tool, please refer to the Emission Factors Toolkit page.
5 May 2026
Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v14.0)
Version 14.0 of the Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v14.0) is now available. The changes between v13.0 include updated COPERT factors and updated Base Fleet splits up to 2050.
For details of all the changes implemented in v14.0 and information on how to use the tool, please refer to the Emissions Factors Toolkit page.
24 March 2026
Diffusion Tube QA QC Framework
The Latest summaries of participating laboratories’ performance in the AIR-PT scheme for NO2 diffusion tubes have been added and are now available on the QA QC Framework Page.
National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet
The National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors Spreadsheet March 2026 Update is now available.
This provides the first round of National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors for 2025 diffusion tube monitoring data. We would like to thank all the local authorities who submitted co-location study results. Local authorities can continue to return co-location studies for diffusion tubes for inclusion (pending data quality checks) in the next update which is due in June 2026.
The summary of NO2 Diffusion Tube precision information has also been updated.
10 March 2026
Northern Ireland Annual Reporting Template
The 2026 LAQM Report Template for Northern Ireland is now available.
26 February 2026
London Annual Reporting Template
The 2026 LAQM Report Template for London is now available.
Scotland Annual Reporting Template
The 2026 LAQM Report Template for Scotland is now available.
20 February 2026
Wales Annual Reporting Template
The 2026 LAQM Report Template for Wales is now available.
13 February 2026
England (exc. London) Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) Template
A updated version of England AQAP Template is now available. A new section 6.1 Year of Objective Compliance has been added.
30 January 2026
England (exc. London) Annual Reporting Template
The 2026 LAQM Report Template for England (exc. London) is now available.
NOTE: The Annual Status Report template has been released early this year to allow local authorities more time to complete the report. Air quality monitoring data should not be analysed until the National Bias Adjustment Factor is released (expected March/April 2026), in line with TG22.
Defra is committed to increasing the visibility of local air quality information for the public on UK-AIR. To meet this aim, in 2026 local authorities in England (excluding London) are required to submit the following on the LAQM portal:
This submission should be completed once all monitoring data for 2025 has been processed and prior to submission of the Annual Status Report.
Regional groups which include several local authorities can submit combined reports, however, you must contact the LAQM Helpdesk prior to submission to notify the Portal Admin team of this requirement.
Merged local authorities must submit one single report covering all local authorities that have been impacted by the merge.
The deadline for the England (excluding London) is 30th June 2026.
07 January 2026
Local Authorities Submission Deadline: Friday 13th March 2026
2025 Updates
24 November 2025
2026 Diffusion Tube Monitoring Calendar
The 2026 Diffusion Tube Monitoring Calendar, providing recommended exposure dates, is now available.
30 September 2025
National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet
This provides the fourth and final round of National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors for 2024 diffusion tube monitoring data. We would like to thank all the local authorities who submitted co-location study results. Local authorities can continue to return co-location studies for diffusion tubes for inclusion (pending data quality checks) in the next update which is due in March 2026.
The summary of NO2 Diffusion Tube precision information has also been updated.
23 June 2025
National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet
The National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors Spreadsheet June 2025 Update is now available.
This provides the third round of National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors for 2024 diffusion tube monitoring data. We would like to thank all the local authorities who submitted co-location study results. Local authorities can continue to return co-location studies for diffusion tubes for inclusion (pending data quality checks) in the next update which is due in September 2025.
The summary of NO2 Diffusion Tube precision information has also been updated.
21 May 2025
Updates to LAQM Guidance
LAQM Technical Guidance and Policy Guidance have updated to align with the new requirement and instructions.
Key changes are:
Annual Report Submission Requirements (all regions)
LAQM Technical guidance has been updated to align with the instructions in each region’s reporting templates (ASR / APR / PR / USA). For step-by-step guidance on uploading monitoring data and providing information on air quality improvement measures, please see LAQM Submission Guidance.
Monitoring requirements for SO2 (England excl. London)
Some local authorities have queried whether they are required to monitor for SO2 and have highlighted a lack of clarity within the LAQM Technical Guidance. Part IV of the Environment Act requires local authorities to review and assess local air quality. The Technical Guidance sets out the screening processes that can be used to review SO2 sources in the area. If the screening process identifies local emission sources that could result in an exceedance, SO2 monitoring will be required. We have clarified this position in the guidance and have removed the reference that suggests that monitoring for SO2 is always required.
NO2 Plan authorities (England excl. London)
We have also updated the LAQM Policy Guidance where this refers to LAs who have responsibilities under LAQM and also the NO2 Plan. Those LAs have received a letter explaining the update which clarifies the existing statutory position.
29 April 2025
Diffusion Tube QA QC Framework
The latest summaries of participating laboratories’ performance in the AIR-PT scheme for NO2 diffusion tubes have been added and are now available on the QA QC Framework page.
Estimating PM2.5 from PM10 Measurements
The 2024 factors for estimating PM2.5 from PM10 measurements are now available for Roadside and Background sites.
23 April 2025
Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v13.1)
Version 13.1 of the Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v13.1) is now available. Version 13.1 is identical to Version 13.0 in terms of parameterisation and calculation of emissions. Changes to Version 13.1 relate only to the optimisation of the model run time.
For details of all the changes implemented in v13.1 and information on how to use the tool, please refer to the Emissions Factors Toolkit page.
23 April 2025
National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet
The National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors Spreadsheet April 2025 Update is now available.
This provides an update to the first round of National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors for 2024 diffusion tube monitoring data. We would like to thank all the local authorities who submitted co-location study results. Local authorities can continue to return co-location studies for diffusion tubes for inclusion (pending data quality checks) in the next update which is due in June 2025.
The summary of NO2 Diffusion Tube precision information has also been updated.
28 March 2025
National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet
The National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors Spreadsheet March 2025 Update is now available.
This provides the first round of National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors for 2024 diffusion tube monitoring data. We would like to thank all the local authorities who submitted co-location study results. Local authorities can continue to return co-location studies for diffusion tubes for inclusion (pending data quality checks) in the next update which is due in June 2025.
The summary of NO2 Diffusion Tube precision information has also been updated.
6 March 2025
LAQM Annual Reporting Templates
The 2025 LAQM Report Templates are now available. Links to the LAQM Reporting Templates, including information regarding specific reporting requirements for 2025, can be found on the relevant region pages:
NOTE: The annual reporting templates have been released early this year to allow local authorities more time to complete the relevant report. Air quality monitoring data should not be analysed until the National Bias Adjustment Factor is released (expected March/April 2025), in line with best practice guidance.
This submission should be completed once all monitoring data for 2024 has been processed and prior to submission of the report.
Regional groups which include several local authorities can submit combined reports, however, you must contact the LAQM Helpdesk prior to submission to notify the Portal Admin team of this requirement.
Merged local authorities must submit one single report covering all local authorities that have been impacted by the merge.
The deadline for the UK regional reports are as follows:
- London – 30th May 2025
- England (excluding London) – 30th June 2025
- Scotland – 30th June 2025
- Northern Ireland – 30th June 2025
- Wales – 30th September 2025
Diffusion Tube Data Processing Tool
A new version of Diffusion Tube Data Processing Tool has been published to assist local authorities in processing their NO2 diffusion tube monitoring data.
Updates within v5.0 of the tool include the ability to select 2024 as the monitoring year, use of up to 7 co-location sites for calculation of a local bias adjustment factor and a diffusion tube co-ordinate check which indicates whether diffusion tubes are located within the local authority boundary.
To assist with processing data through the latest version of the Diffusion Tube Data Processing Tool (DTDPT), a video is available on the Air Quality Hub which may be useful for authorities using the tool for the first time.
5 March 2025
Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v13.0)
Version 13.0 of the Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v13.0) is now available. The changes between v12.1 and v13.0 include updated COPERT factors and updated Base Fleet splits up to 2050.
For details of all the changes implemented in v13.0 and information on how to use the tool, please refer to the Emissions Factors Toolkit page.
6 February 2025
England (exc. London) Annual Reporting Template
The 2025 LAQM Report Template for England (exc. London) is now available.
NOTE: The Annual Status Report template has been released early this year to allow local authorities more time to complete the report. Air quality monitoring data should not be analysed until the National Bias Adjustment Factor is released (expected March/April 2025), in line with TG22.
Defra is committed to increasing the visibility of local air quality information for the public on UK-AIR. To meet this aim, in 2025 local authorities in England (excluding London) are required to submit the following on the LAQM portal:
This submission should be completed once all monitoring data for 2024 has been processed and prior to submission of the Annual Status Report.
Regional groups which include several local authorities can submit combined reports, however, you must contact the LAQM Helpdesk prior to submission to notify the Portal Admin team of this requirement.
Merged local authorities must submit one single report covering all local authorities that have been impacted by the merge.
The deadline for the England (excluding London) is 30th June 2025.
Automatic Data Processing Tool
This Automatic Data Processing Tool has been developed to assist local authorities in processing their NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 automatic monitoring data.
The tool provides an output table which can be directly uploaded into the LAQM Portal via the new Automatic Monitoring Data Entry System (ADES), which is part of the annual submission requirements for English local authorities (including London) and Wales for 2025.
Please note that this tool cannot be used to process SO2 data. However, where applicable, users should input SO2 data manually into the ‘SO2 Tables’ tab within the tool to facilitate a complete upload of automatic monitoring data to the LAQM Portal.
NOTE: The ADES is due to be released on the LAQM Portal in March 2025.
New FAQ Published
FAQ 146 – Top Three Air Quality Actions
Please refer to this FAQ for guidance on providing top three air quality actions for local authorities.
2024 Updates
13 November 2024
2021 Reference Year Background Maps
2021 reference year background maps for years 2021 – 2040 for NOx, NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 are now available.
Updated versions of the following tools are also available for use with the 2021 reference year background maps:
- NO2 Adjustment for NOx Sector Removal Tool (v9.0)
- NOx to NO2 Calculator (v9.1)
- Roadside NO2 Projection Factors
For details of all the changes implemented in the 2021 reference year and information on how to use the tools, please refer to the updated Background Maps User Guide.
2025 Diffusion Tube Calendar
The 2025 Diffusion Tube Monitoring Calendar, providing recommended exposure dates, is now available.
27 September 2024
National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet
The National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors Spreadsheet June 2024 Update is now available.
This provides the third round of National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors for 2023 diffusion tube monitoring data. Local authorities can continue to return co-location studies for diffusion tubes for inclusion (pending data quality checks) in the next update which is due in March 2025.
The summary of NO2 Diffusion Tube precision information has also been updated.
25 September 2024
Air Quality Grant 24/25 Defra Update
Unfortunately, due to the timing of the general election, it has not been possible to align timelines to be able to award the funding under Defra’s Air Quality Grant this Financial Year. As such, the grant will not be opening this year. Future air quality grant schemes will be subject to the Government Spending Review process.
9 September 2024
LAQM.TG(22) Supplementary Guidance for England (exc. London) –
Determining the impact of air quality improvement measures
LAQM.TG(22) Supplementary Guidance for England (exc. London) “Determining the impact of air quality improvement measures” is now available. This supplementary guidance aims to assist local authorities in England (exc. London) fulfilling the strengthened requirements for Air Quality Action Plans (AQAPs) or drawing up a local Air Quality Strategy. It provides a structured methodology for determining the future impacts of air quality improvement measures and for prioritising measures.
The strengthened requirements for AQAPs are provided for by Schedule 11 of the Environment Act 2021 (the Act). The Act strengthened the LAQM framework by requiring:
- AQAPs prepared in response to an exceedance or likely exceedance of an air quality objective must be prepared for the purpose of securing that air quality objectives are achieved.
- AQAPs must set out the measures that will be taken to improve local air quality and specify a date by when each measure will be carried out.
- AQAPs must, as far as possible, demonstrate how adopted measures will secure required local air quality improvements within a set timeframe and ensure that they are maintained thereafter.
AQAP Template for England (exc. London)
The AQAP template for England exc. London has been updated to be aligned with the new requirements set out in the Act, LAQM.PG(22) and LAQM.TG(22). The new additions to the template are highlighted below. If you have already started producing an AQAP using the previous template, please check the list below and carry the changes across where possible. When the draft AQAP is submitted to Defra at consultation stage, the appraisal report will highlight any areas that need updating for the final AQAP and provide further guidance as necessary.
- Executive Summary and Section 1 Introduction. Include details of relevant AQMAs, the published date of AQAP, its period of validity, and the estimated date of achieving compliance within AQMAs.
- Section 2 Summary of Current Air Quality. Include details of relevant AQMAs:
- Addition of Table 2.1 Relevant Declared AQMAs.
- Addition of Section 2.2 Public Exposure.
- Section 5 AQAP Measures. Include:
- Section 5.1 Timescales of the AQAP Measures: Include this section to outline the timeframes for implementing AQAP measures.
- Section 5.2 Air Quality Partners. Provide information on the Air Quality Partners and their engagement in air quality management.
- Section 5.3 Measures to maintain safe air quality. Include this section to discuss future measures aimed at sustaining the objectives.
- Section 6 Quantification of Measures: This is a new section, mandated by LAQM.PG(22), focusing on quantifying the effectiveness of the measures. See supporting guidance and good practice examples.
In this review, Defra has been able to address some of the feedback received from local authorities through recent our survey on LAQM templates which closed in August, but the wider review is ongoing. Further consideration will be given to how we can improve these documents and processes.
AQAP Tables Excel Template
To assist local authorities in the completion of Table 2.1 “Relevant Declared Air Quality Management Areas” and Table 5.1 “Air Quality Action Plan Measures” required within the updated AQAP template, a new Excel Template is available. Please fill in the tables in the Excel template first and then copy and paste the data rows to the bottom of the relevant table as instructed within the AQAP Word template. This will help to reduce any errors in populating the table and also facilitate easier updating of the tables with new information in future LAQM reports.
AQAP Good Practice Examples
New AQAP good practice examples are available now.
New FAQ Published
FAQ 145 – Report Accessibility Instructions
Please refer to this FAQ for accessibility instructions while completing the annual reporting and AQAP templates.
20 August 2024
New FAQ Published
FAQ 144 – Limitations of monitoring using a single diffusion tube
9 August 2024
Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v12.1)
Version 12.1 of the Emissions Factors Toolkit (EFT v12.1) is now available. The changes between v12.0.1 and v12.1 include a number of bug fixes and user interface updates.
For details of all the changes implemented in v12.1 and information on how to use the tool, please refer to the Emissions Factors Toolkit page.
31 July 2024
Diffusion Tube QA QC Framework
The latest summaries of participating laboratories’ performance in the AIR-PT scheme for NO2 diffusion tubes have been added and are now available on the QA QC Framework page.
3 July 2024
National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet
The National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors Spreadsheet June 2024 Update is now available.
This provides the second round of National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors for 2023 diffusion tube monitoring data. We would like to thank all of the local authorities who submitted co-location study results. Local authorities can continue to return co-location studies for diffusion tubes for inclusion (pending data quality checks) in the next update which is due in September 2024.
The summary of NO2 Diffusion Tube precision information has also been updated.
19 April 2024
New FAQ Published
FAQ 143 – How do I assess road traffic emissions of ammonia?
5 April 2024
LAQM Annual Reporting Templates
The 2024 LAQM Report Templates are now available. Links to the LAQM Annual Reporting Templates are as follows:
Please note, new for 2024 is the requirement for authorities within Scotland, Wales and London to submit diffusion tube data through the LAQM portal Diffusion Tube Data Entry System (DTDES). This is in addition to other English authorities, for which the requirement remains. To confirm, this is not currently a requirement for authorities in Northern Ireland. This submission should be completed once all monitoring data for 2023 has been processed and prior to submission of the Annual Status Report.
Regional groups which include several local authorities can submit combined reports, however, you must contact the LAQM Helpdesk prior to submission to notify the Portal Admin team of this requirement.
Merged local authorities must submit one single report covering all local authorities that have been impacted by the merge.
The deadlines for the UK regional reports are as follows:
- England (excluding London) – 30th June 2022
- London – 30th May 2024
- Scotland – 30th June 2024
- Northern Ireland – 30th June 2024
- Wales – 30th September 2024
Diffusion Tube Data Processing Tool
A new version of Diffusion Tube Data Processing Tool has been published to assist local authorities in processing their NO2 diffusion tube monitoring data.
Updates within v4.0 of the tool include the ability to select 2023 as the monitoring year and updates to output table tabs to align with the relevant regional reporting templates. It provides an output table which can be directly uploaded into the LAQM Portal via the Diffusion Tube Data Entry System (DTDES), which is part of the annual submission requirements for local authorities in England (including London), Scotland and Wales.
To assist with processing data through the latest version of the Diffusion Tube Data Processing Tool (DTDPT), a video is available on the Air Quality Hub which may be useful for authorities using the tool for the first time. There is also an FAQ document on the hub to help with the tools.
National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Spreadsheet
The National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors Spreadsheet March 2024 Update is now available.
This provides the first round of National Diffusion Tube Bias Adjustment Factors for 2023 diffusion tube monitoring data. We would like to thank all of the local authorities who submitted co-location study results. Local authorities can continue to return co-location studies for diffusion tubes for inclusion (pending data quality checks) in the next update which is due in June 2024.
The summary of NO2 Diffusion Tube precision information has also been updated.
Estimating PM2.5 from PM10 Measurements
The 2023 factors for estimating PM2.5 from PM10 measurements are now available for Roadside and Background sites.
