Brent’s childhood asthma admissions double London average as NO2 levels fall

Brent Council confirmed that the borough’s childhood asthma admission rate stands at 333.8 per 100,000 residents, which is twice the London average, as reported by This Is Local London. The figure comes from a Mums for Lungs analysis that recorded 115,357 asthma‑related emergency department and hospital admissions among children aged 0‑18 in the borough.

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The highest concentration of cases was identified in Harlesden and Kilburn, according to the same report. Brent’s Community and Wellbeing Committee has linked the elevated rates to poor housing conditions, overcrowding, air pollution and deprivation. A 12.4% fall in admissions was noted in the most recent year, yet Brent remains the second‑highest borough for emergency admissions in both the 0‑9 and 10‑18 age groups.

We cannot tolerate that childhood asthma admission rate in Brent is twice the London average.

Alexandre Amandine, Green Party councillor for Harlesden and Kensal Green

Air quality improvements

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Council cabinet member for community safety and public health, Liz Dixon, said the borough has made “real progress” with nitrogen dioxide levels falling by an average of 45% since 2019. She added that the reduction is the result of School Streets, expanded cycling routes, greener transport options and increased tree planting. The council confirmed that NO₂ concentrations have met the national annual mean objective since 2023.

Despite the decline, council officials acknowledge that meeting national standards is not sufficient. Dixon reiterated that Brent shares the World Health Organisation’s ambition to go further and that the next Air Quality Action Plan, due for review in 2028, will build on existing measures.

Calls for stricter standards

Alexandre Amandine, also a campaigner with Mums for Lungs, urged the council to adopt WHO air quality standards, which are stricter than current UK limits. He argued that doing so would drive a more ambitious clean‑air strategy, citing Camden as an example that has already made the switch.

Jermima Harthorn, founder of Mums for Lungs, called the data a “wake‑up call for our Mayor” and asked for continued action to reduce pollution. The council’s upcoming 2028 review will provide an opportunity to decide whether WHO standards will be incorporated into Brent’s long‑term air‑quality policy.

Residents can submit comments on the draft Air Quality Action Plan during the public consultation period, which the council will announce in early 2028. The consultation will allow individuals, community groups and health charities to influence the final strategy.