Harrow Council backed the Government’s latest clean air strategy as it launched its own plan to improve the environment and “change people’s perceptions”.

Its climate change strategy, which aims to “take action at a local level to address a global issue”, was presented at a council cabinet meeting last week.

The strategy includes reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the borough, encouraging recycling and the use of efficient energy systems, and promoting sustainable transport.

Earlier this month, environment secretary Michael Gove announced plans to clean up the UK’s air and called for “urgent action” to help save lives.

Cllr Varsha Parmar, responsible for the environment at Harrow Council, said: “Improving air quality and tacking climate change in Harrow is something I am passionate about, so I welcome the Government’s announcement.

“And it comes at a great time as we have agreed our new climate change strategy.

“I want Harrow to be a healthy and clean place to live and work, and our strategy will deliver on that promise.

“It’s not just about cutting down on our energy bills, but importantly it is about improving the health and wellbeing of our residents and saving our environment.”

The strategy is the council’s the first “comprehensive” plan on climate change, and council leader Cllr Graham Henson said it is important to “change people’s perceptions” when it comes to the environment.

As part of the national campaign, there are plans to give local authorities extra powers to increase the rate of upgrades of inefficient and polluting heating devices.

And Cllr Adam Swersky pointed out that the work of councils – including on the environment – can have far-reaching consequences.

He said: “It’s really positive that we are doing this. The way we operate as councils can make quite a substantial impact, which is something we often underestimate.”