Recommendations & Conclusions
31 items
2
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
Delays to the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme mean that local authorities need further support. The £450m LEVI programme supports local authorities in England to install charge points where they identify they are most needed. In setting up the programme the Department was able to apply lessons from its …
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Delays to the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme mean that local authorities need further support. The £450m LEVI programme supports local authorities in England to install charge points where they identify they are most needed. In setting up the programme the Department was able to apply lessons from its previous work, such as providing funding to build capability and providing central support, which has resulted in all eligible local authorities engaging with the LEVI programme. However, the Department expected local authorities to move at a quick pace, and acknowledged that more time than expected was needed to build local authority capacity and respond to issues that emerged. These issues have led to delays; as of October 2024 only 10 out of 78 projects had 4 been approved for delivery against a March 2025 deadline. These delays have meant that many local authorities will be procuring at similar times, posing the risk that the market may not have the capacity to serve them all and some procurements fail. The Department must ensure that local authorities remain supported to conduct successful procurements and secure good value through competition between operators. It’s extension of the programme’s capability funding beyond March 2025 is a welcome development in maintaining its central support. recommendation The Department should write to the committee within six months with an update on progress with LEVI, in particular: a. The amounts of money spent b. The number of projects which have completed procurement c. Whether any procurements failed d. How the Department is continuing to support local authorities delivering their projects e. How the Department is applying lessons from LEVI to its other programmes engaging local authorities
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Government response AI summary
The government provided specific updates on LEVI project approvals, funding awarded (£324.6 million for 71 projects), and confirmed an additional £22 million for the LEVI Capability Fund in 2025-26. It committed to continue supporting local authorities and will provide further updates within six months.
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HM Treasury
3
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
The Department has been slow to ensure the availability of ultra–rapid charge points at motorway service areas. Motorway service areas are vital for providing confidence to drivers that charge points are widespread and will be available on longer journeys. The Department had an ambition that operators would install 6 ultra–rapid …
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The Department has been slow to ensure the availability of ultra–rapid charge points at motorway service areas. Motorway service areas are vital for providing confidence to drivers that charge points are widespread and will be available on longer journeys. The Department had an ambition that operators would install 6 ultra–rapid charge points at every motorway service area by the end of 2023. By January 2025, only 80 out of 114 motorway service areas had met this target. The number of ultra–rapid charge points within one mile of the wider strategic road network has grown more quickly than the Department expected, with 2,377 of these installed in July 2024, against a target of 2,500 by 2030. However, there remain significant stretches of the network with too few charge points. In 2020, the Department announced the rapid charging fund (RCF), intended to future– proof electricity capacity on the strategic road network in the longer term by part–funding the capital costs of upgraded grid connections. But after nearly five years the Department has yet to issue any of its £950 million RCF funding, and it remains to be seen how it will support charging at motorway service areas in the longer term. 5 recommendation The Department should write to the committee within six months setting out the steps it is taking to address gaps in ultra–rapid charge point provision across the strategic road network, particularly at motorway service areas.
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Government response AI summary
The government committed to writing to the Committee by September 2025 with an update on ultra-rapid charge point rollout on the SRN and at motorway service areas, including work to understand why gaps exist and outlining next steps to address them.
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HM Treasury
4
Recommendation
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
The Department has put in place regulations to improve consumer experience, but some drivers pay significantly more than others to charge their vehicles. In 2023, the Department introduced the Public Charge point Regulations to address early consumer concerns around price transparency, payment complexity and reliability. Public charge points also need …
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The Department has put in place regulations to improve consumer experience, but some drivers pay significantly more than others to charge their vehicles. In 2023, the Department introduced the Public Charge point Regulations to address early consumer concerns around price transparency, payment complexity and reliability. Public charge points also need to provide a range of live data, including whether they are available to use. It is too early to say whether these regulations are working in practice, and localised issues or non–compliance may emerge. The Department’s ongoing consumer research may also find new concerns that could require intervention. Drivers who have no option but to rely on public charge points pay significantly more to charge their vehicles, in part due to higher value added tax being charged, typically 20% compared to 5% VAT, which particularly affects those without access to off–street parking. While the Department monitors the costs of different charging behaviours and has made efforts to widen access to cheaper private home charging, it was unable to describe how these differing costs fall on different groups in society. Should these differential impacts not be understood and remedied, different and sometimes disadvantaged groups will face inequalities in the cost of driving. recommendation As part of its Treasury Minute Response, the Department should set out: a. How it will monitor the impact of the Public Charge point Regulations, including at the local level. b. How it will monitor the cost of public charge point use by different groups in society. c. How the issue of VAT on public charging points will be considered by HMT and the Department.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated it will monitor the Public Charge Point Regulations through OPSS reporting, a Technology Tracker, open data, and stakeholder engagement, with a review within five years. It already monitors charging costs across channels and will continue to work with HM Treasury to understand …
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HM Treasury
5
Recommendation
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Acknowledged
The interests of drivers with disabilities have been left behind in the rollout of public charge points. By 2035, 1.35 million drivers with disabilities are expected to be partially or wholly dependent on public charge points, but many charge points, or their surrounding environment, have features which make them inaccessible. …
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The interests of drivers with disabilities have been left behind in the rollout of public charge points. By 2035, 1.35 million drivers with disabilities are expected to be partially or wholly dependent on public charge points, but many charge points, or their surrounding environment, have features which make them inaccessible. The Department co–sponsored the creation of a standard for charge point accessibility. However, the Department has not mandated its use and the Motability Foundation report that two years 6 on from its launch, there are still no charge points in the UK which are fully compliant with the standard. Charge point operators and local authorities have reported that they need to better understand what compliance with the standard means in practice. In response, the Department put in place a review of the standard to identify practical issues with it, and to understand what actions may be needed to improve charge point accessibility. This could include working with other countries to align accessibility standards, which would help build international supply chains for components. Failure to address problems with uptake of the standard quickly will mean that the network will continue to develop without meeting the needs of drivers with disabilities. recommendation As part of its Treasury Minute Response, the Department should set out: a. The outcome of the review of the charge point accessibility standard and what actions it is taking to ensure that charge point accessibility is improved. b. What it is doing to encourage alignment of accessibility standards for charge points internationally.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated it is reviewing the PAS 1899:2022 accessibility standard with stakeholders and will confirm recommendations and proposed next steps 'in due course'. It will also continue to monitor international standards and drive efforts to harmonise in the future.
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HM Treasury
6
Recommendation
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
The Department has more to do in planning ahead for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The uptake of electric vehicles and rollout of public charge points is expected to increase over the coming years, as new petrol and diesel vehicle sales are phased out. The Department must now determine …
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The Department has more to do in planning ahead for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The uptake of electric vehicles and rollout of public charge points is expected to increase over the coming years, as new petrol and diesel vehicle sales are phased out. The Department must now determine what actions are needed for the next phase of the rollout in ensuring that the public charging network can meet the needs of all drivers, and not just enthusiastic early adopters of electric vehicles. This includes understanding what challenges might remain in getting to the harder to reach locations and users. The Government recognises that the processes to receive electricity grid connections are unfit for purpose and take too long. Government is working with others to speed this up, but the queue is growing, with competing demands from other activities which may not all be satisfied if grid connections do not accelerate. The Department has made changes to simplify planning processes, but there remain bottlenecks, such as changes to traffic regulation orders, which will take longer to address. Wider aspects to support the transition such as considering the charge point demand created by new roads investment and ensuring the fire safety of vehicles will also need addressing. Not all major road schemes deliver more charging points and more co–ordinated approach between the Department of Transport and Department for Energy Security and Net Zero could improve this. 7 recommendation As part of its Treasury Minute Response, the Department should set out: a. How it is developing its vision for a well–functioning public charging network, and the steps it will need to take next to ensure the network develops in the way intended. This should include how traffic regulation orders about dedicated parking bays for electric vehicles could be simplified. b. How it will improve coordination with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure all major road schemes deliver
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Government response AI summary
The government detailed its vision for a well-functioning public charging network and committed to digitalising Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to simplify dedicated EV parking, with a requirement coming into force later in 2025. It also stated that OZEV, a joint unit, already ensures close coordination …
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HM Treasury
1
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport (the Department) about public charge points for electric vehicles.1 The government has committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, with all new cars and vans …
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On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport (the Department) about public charge points for electric vehicles.1 The government has committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, with all new cars and vans sold being zero–emission from 2035. This shift to electric cars requires a new network of public charge points. While most drivers have driveways or garages where they can install a charge point for their private use, those without access to off–street parking will need to rely on public charge points. Even where drivers typically charge at home, they may need public charge points to charge their car during long journeys.2
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Government response AI summary
The government explained its existing methods for monitoring sub-regional charge point provision and how LEVI funding was allocated based on needs, including off-street parking and deprivation. It committed to using a similar needs-based approach for future interventions and observing LEVI fund outcomes.
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HM Treasury
7
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
Different areas have different requirements for where public charge points should be located and how many are needed. The Department explained that the proportion of public charge points in rural areas broadly aligns with their population and in general 86% of houses in these areas have off–street parking, compared to …
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Different areas have different requirements for where public charge points should be located and how many are needed. The Department explained that the proportion of public charge points in rural areas broadly aligns with their population and in general 86% of houses in these areas have off–street parking, compared to 45% for urban ones. However, at a more local level you could have a village with a lot of terraced housing which would require more public charge points than a suburban community in a city which has a lot of off–street parking.9 Similarly, tourist areas might have seasonal changes in charging demand when their populations significantly increase at certain points of the year. The Department stated that it has seen local authorities considering these kinds of aspects in their plans for charging in their areas, though some places, such as national parks, may struggle due to their distance from the electricity grid.10 5 C&AG’s Report, para 6; HM Government, Electric vehicle public charging infrastructure statistics: January 2025, February 2025, Headline Figures 6 C&AG’s Report para 7; HM Government, Electric vehicle public charging infrastructure statistics: January 2025 7 Q 6 8 Qq 6, 19, 21 9 Qq 19 21 10 Qq 26 58 10
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Government response AI summary
The government states the recommendation is implemented, noting that it already produces quarterly statistics breaking down chargepoint provision by local authority for monitoring sub-regional variability, and that sub-regional need was a guiding principle for Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding allocation. It also commits to …
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HM Treasury
8
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
However, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority reported to us that while the LEVI programme is attempting to mitigate broader regional inequalities, operators bidding for these contracts are still likely to focus on more commercially viable areas within regions. It explained that rural areas tend to be less financially …
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However, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority reported to us that while the LEVI programme is attempting to mitigate broader regional inequalities, operators bidding for these contracts are still likely to focus on more commercially viable areas within regions. It explained that rural areas tend to be less financially viable, with individuals having to travel further to reach public charge points. As a result, further public intervention may be needed to support adequate charging in these areas.11
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and states the recommendation is implemented, detailing how LEVI funding allocation already uses a needs-based approach incorporating variables like rurality and deprivation to address areas less commercially viable for private sector provision. It commits to taking a similar approach for any future …
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HM Treasury
9
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
The Department’s current measure of the number of ‘charge points per head’ in each region does not reflect the variations within regions, or what is required in the future.12 We challenged the Department as to what it would do if the distribution of charge points did not improve ahead of …
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The Department’s current measure of the number of ‘charge points per head’ in each region does not reflect the variations within regions, or what is required in the future.12 We challenged the Department as to what it would do if the distribution of charge points did not improve ahead of the 2030 target. The Department responded that whilst these would be matters for a future spending review, it does regularly monitor the situation to ensure they have an overview of the situation and can see if issues of concern emerge.13 The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and states the recommendation is implemented, explaining that it already produces quarterly statistics broken down by local authority and per capita, which enables monitoring of sub-regional variability. It confirms that sub-regional need was a guiding principle for LEVI funding allocation and commits …
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HM Treasury
10
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
The £450m LEVI programme supports local authorities in England to install charge points where they identify they are most needed.14 The Department has learned important lessons from previous schemes such as its On–Street Residential Charge point scheme. Many central government grants to local authorities are demand–led, requiring local authorities to …
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The £450m LEVI programme supports local authorities in England to install charge points where they identify they are most needed.14 The Department has learned important lessons from previous schemes such as its On–Street Residential Charge point scheme. Many central government grants to local authorities are demand–led, requiring local authorities to submit applications for funding, meaning that funding goes to local authorities with the capability to make good applications, rather than necessarily to where it may be most needed.15 With LEVI, the Department allocated all local authorities with both capital funding and a share of £50 million of capability funding to hire staff so that local authorities could then plan projects to use with their capital funding. It also provided technical and commercial expertise through a support body. This has meant that all eligible local authorities have engaged with LEVI.16
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the Committee's conclusion and provides an update on the LEVI programme, highlighting further project approvals, significant capital funding awards, and an additional £22 million for the LEVI Capability Fund for 2025-26, demonstrating continued support for local authorities within the existing framework.
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HM Treasury
11
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
However, the Department expected local authorities to move at a quick pace, and build their capability to plan for charge point for rollout at the same time as developing projects to deliver. As a result, it took local authorities longer to develop plans to the Department’s standards than expected.17 The …
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However, the Department expected local authorities to move at a quick pace, and build their capability to plan for charge point for rollout at the same time as developing projects to deliver. As a result, it took local authorities longer to develop plans to the Department’s standards than expected.17 The Department acknowledged that capability funding needed 11 EVS0018 12 Q20, 26 13 Qq 27, 48, 50 14 Q 19; C&AG’s Report para 4 15 Q21, 51; C&AG’s Report para 2.6 16 Qq 7, 51, 53; C&AG’s Report paras 2.6–2.7 17 C&AG’s Report para 10 11 to be provided at the earliest opportunity, and prior to the capital funding.18 Many local authorities had also planned to use commercial frameworks to procure their charge points, however, it was determined late on in the programme that doing so in this way was not in line with procurement regulations, meaning many had to change their approach. The Department stated that they had provided advice and support to authorities to ensure that all projects had a route to market, as well as providing template documents to replicate some of the benefits of using a framework.19
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Government response AI summary
The government has committed an additional £22 million to continue the LEVI Capability Fund in 2025-26, directly addressing the committee's observation about the need for capability funding for local authorities. The department will also provide a six-month update on LEVI programme progress.
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HM Treasury
12
Recommendation
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
These issues have led to delays; by October 2024 only 10 out of 78 projects had been approved for delivery against a March 2025 deadline. These delays have meant that many local authorities are going to market at similar times, posing the risk that the market may not have the …
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These issues have led to delays; by October 2024 only 10 out of 78 projects had been approved for delivery against a March 2025 deadline. These delays have meant that many local authorities are going to market at similar times, posing the risk that the market may not have the capacity to serve them all and some procurements fail.20 The Department must ensure that local authorities remain supported to conduct successful procurements and secure good value through competition between operators. The Department stated that the market overall is ‘fiercely competitive’, and did not want to shuffle individual procurements around as this would just artificially delay some local authorities. The Department told us, however, that it does monitor the situation and let local authorities know what is in the procurement pipeline so they can make choices about when is best to approach the market.21 It has also extended the programme’s capability funding beyond March 2025 to continue supporting local authorities.22 Ultra rapid charging on the strategic road network
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and commits to continuing to support local authorities, citing the approval of more LEVI projects, substantial capital funding awards, and an additional £22 million to the LEVI Capability Fund for 2025-26 to ensure local authorities retain expertise. The department will also update …
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HM Treasury
13
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Deferred
Public ultra–rapid charge points across along motorways and major A–roads (collectively known as the strategic road network) are necessary to address “range anxiety” amongst motorists. Motorway service areas in particular act like the “shop window” for providing confidence to drivers that charge points are widespread.23
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Public ultra–rapid charge points across along motorways and major A–roads (collectively known as the strategic road network) are necessary to address “range anxiety” amongst motorists. Motorway service areas in particular act like the “shop window” for providing confidence to drivers that charge points are widespread.23
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the observation regarding the necessity of ultra-rapid charge points on the strategic road network. They will provide an update in September 2025 on rollout progress, gaps, and next steps to address these.
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HM Treasury
14
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Deferred
The Department had an ambition that operators would install six ultra rapid charge points at every motorway service area by the end of 2023. However, only around half installed that many charge points by that time, and by January 2025 only 80 out of 114 met this target. The Department …
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The Department had an ambition that operators would install six ultra rapid charge points at every motorway service area by the end of 2023. However, only around half installed that many charge points by that time, and by January 2025 only 80 out of 114 met this target. The Department acknowledged that there was probably a degree of naivete about how 18 Q 51 19 Q 5; C&AG’s Report para 10 20 Q44–45, C&AG’s Report para 10 21 Qq 9, 45 22 Qq 51–52 23 Q 61 12 long it would take when setting its ambition of six by 2023, particularly in how difficult it would be to secure electricity grid connections in locations that are tough to get enough power to at a cost that is not prohibitive.24 It anticipated that 100 would meet this target by summer, with all but four having at least six ultra–rapid charge points by the end of 2026.25
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the observation regarding the slow rollout of ultra-rapid charge points and acknowledges the challenges. They will provide an update to the Committee in September 2025, outlining work to understand provision gaps and next steps to address them.
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HM Treasury
15
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Deferred
The Department stated that there was not necessarily a very scientific underpinning for using six ultra–rapid charge points as its benchmark today, however, meeting charge point demand in the longer term might require much more than this, and in July 2024 only around 10% of motorway service areas in England …
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The Department stated that there was not necessarily a very scientific underpinning for using six ultra–rapid charge points as its benchmark today, however, meeting charge point demand in the longer term might require much more than this, and in July 2024 only around 10% of motorway service areas in England had the power capacity needed to meet demand to at least 2035.26
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the observation regarding the benchmark for charge points and power capacity. They will provide an update to the Committee in September 2025 on the rollout of ultra-rapid chargepoints, including understanding provision gaps and outlining next steps.
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HM Treasury
16
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Deferred
The number of ultra rapid charge points installed within one mile of the wider strategic road network has exceeded the Department’s expectations, with 2,377 installed by July 2024, against a target of 2,500 by 2030.27 However, distribution remains a problem; for example, there are stretches of major A–roads in the …
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The number of ultra rapid charge points installed within one mile of the wider strategic road network has exceeded the Department’s expectations, with 2,377 installed by July 2024, against a target of 2,500 by 2030.27 However, distribution remains a problem; for example, there are stretches of major A–roads in the South West, West and the North where there are not enough of these charge points. The Department stated that on major A–roads, where there is a some flexibility in where operators may choose to install charge points, it sees these gaps reducing each quarter. While it anticipates that the commercial attractiveness of these locations will mean the private sector addresses these gaps, if concerns around particular areas emerged, it would look at these.28 We expect that this will prove particularly true for more remote A roads.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the committee's observation and commits to providing an update in September 2025 on the rollout of ultra-rapid chargepoints, including work undertaken to understand existing distribution gaps and outlining next steps to address them.
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HM Treasury
17
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Not Addressed
In 2020 the Department announced the rapid charging fund, intended to future proof electricity capacity on the strategic road network in the longer term, by part–funding the capital costs of upgraded grid connections. However, nearly five years after its announcement, the Department has yet to issue any of its £950 …
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In 2020 the Department announced the rapid charging fund, intended to future proof electricity capacity on the strategic road network in the longer term, by part–funding the capital costs of upgraded grid connections. However, nearly five years after its announcement, the Department has yet to issue any of its £950 million of funding.29 ChargeUK, which represents many of the companies installing charge points, stated that several months have passed with limited updates, creating unhelpful uncertainty, and clear direction on the status of the fund is needed for industry to plan investments with confidence.30 The Department stated that when this programme was first conceived, the world was very different and much more appetite for private investment has emerged since, and there have also been changes in how electricity upgrades are funded. The programme has also had to navigate competition concerns in the sector as well as the risk of legal 24 Q 63; C&AG’s Report para 12 25 Qq 63, 73 26 Q 76; C&AG’s Report para 13 27 C&AG’s Report para 11 28 Qq 29, 58–59; C&AG’s Report 2.17 29 C&AG’s Report Figure 7 30 EVS0015 13 challenge. These aspects mean that the programme’s original concept is probably not how it will work in the future, and the Department hopes to be able to provide more information shortly.31 Next steps in developing the public charge point network
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Government response AI summary
The government's response is identical to the previous item and focuses on the general rollout of chargepoints and addressing distribution gaps, rather than providing the requested clear direction on the status and future of the £950 million Rapid Charging Fund.
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HM Treasury
18
Recommendation
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
The uptake of electric vehicles and rollout of public charge points is expected to increase over the coming years, as new petrol and diesel vehicle sales are phased out. The Department’s 2022 electric vehicle infrastructure strategy contained a series of commitments intended to accelerate the pace of charge point installation, …
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The uptake of electric vehicles and rollout of public charge points is expected to increase over the coming years, as new petrol and diesel vehicle sales are phased out. The Department’s 2022 electric vehicle infrastructure strategy contained a series of commitments intended to accelerate the pace of charge point installation, address barriers and improve public confidence to enable this period of rapid growth. The Department has carried out the majority of these commitments, with its two major programmes, LEVI and the RCF, ongoing.32 The Department must now determine what actions are needed for the next phase of the rollout in ensuring that the public charging network can meet the needs of all drivers, and not just enthusiastic early adopters of electric vehicles.33 This includes understanding what challenges might remain in getting to the harder to reach locations and users.
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Government response AI summary
The government states the recommendation is implemented, highlighting its vision for universal charging access, ongoing work to meet the 2030 charging device target, the April 2025 consultation response, the digitalization of Traffic Regulation Orders coming into force later in 2025, and OZEV's role in encouraging …
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HM Treasury
19
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Not Addressed
As with motorway service areas, many of these locations are limited by the strength of the local electricity network and the ability to enhance and connect to it. The Government recognises that the processes to receive electricity grid connections are increasingly unfit for purpose and take too long, and the …
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As with motorway service areas, many of these locations are limited by the strength of the local electricity network and the ability to enhance and connect to it. The Government recognises that the processes to receive electricity grid connections are increasingly unfit for purpose and take too long, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Ofgem have put in place a Connections Action Plan to seek to remedy this. However, the connections queue is still growing, with competing demands from other activity such as housing developments and new housing and internet cloud storage, which may not all be satisfied if grid connections do not accelerate. 34 When asked how the Department is working with grid operators to enable charge point installation specifically, the Department explained that there remain challenges with inconsistent process between network operators, and with people being aware of the standing charges they would pay when they request an enhanced connection. The Department stated that it did a piece of work with charge point companies and the Energy Networks Association on the specific grid connection challenges they face, to get them to work together more efficiently and smooth out processes. 35 31 Qq71–72; C&AG’s Report para 13 32 C&AG’s Report para 8 33 Q 84 34 Qq 81, 98; C&AG’s Report 14 35 Q 81 14
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Government response AI summary
The government response outlines its vision for EV charging, and discusses efforts related to traffic regulation orders and OZEV's role in major road schemes. However, it does not address the specific concerns raised about electricity grid connection challenges and inconsistent processes with network operators.
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HM Treasury
20
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
Similarly, many planning processes were not designed with charge point operators in mind, causing unnecessary additional cost and time. The Department explained that it had recently announced a series of changes to ease planning barriers and make it easier to install a charge point, such as greater permitted development rights, …
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Similarly, many planning processes were not designed with charge point operators in mind, causing unnecessary additional cost and time. The Department explained that it had recently announced a series of changes to ease planning barriers and make it easier to install a charge point, such as greater permitted development rights, and streamlining the consents needed to install charge points on public highways.36 However, there remain bottlenecks; for example, dedicating parking bays for electric vehicles requires a Traffic Regulation Order which can take a number of weeks to carry out. The Department replied that it is currently testing a digital system to speed up the application time to a couple weeks. When challenged on why it could take until 2026 to implement changes from a review to assess whether Traffic Regulation Orders were needed at all, the Department stated that removing these orders might take choices away from local authorities to decide on the mix of parking they need. However, the same argument could have been made in advance of changes to permitted development in the planning system. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is also intending to consult on process changes for securing access to third party land for energy infrastructure upgrades.37
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees and states the recommendation is implemented, committing to digitalising Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) and requiring all authorities to submit digital copies to a central platform, with this requirement coming into force later in 2025 to reduce application times.
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HM Treasury
21
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted in Part
In addition to removing barriers to charge point rollout, enabling the transition to electric vehicles requires addressing wider aspects such as ensuring that charge point demand is considered when new major road schemes are created, and fire safety techniques are updated.38 In written correspondence provided after our evidence session the …
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In addition to removing barriers to charge point rollout, enabling the transition to electric vehicles requires addressing wider aspects such as ensuring that charge point demand is considered when new major road schemes are created, and fire safety techniques are updated.38 In written correspondence provided after our evidence session the Department stated that, while electric vehicles have not been found to be more at risk of fire than internal combustion engines, it is a different kind of fire which requires different techniques to put out. The Department stated that it has been working with fire brigades to develop a handbook on what the best techniques are for particular kinds of electric vehicle fire, and that in July 2023 it had published guidance for fire safety for covered car parks.39 The National Fire Chiefs Council stated that aspects such as ensuring charge points do not block fire hydrants or impede access to buildings, and providing better information to the public about the warning signs of an electric vehicle fire must also be addressed.40 36 Qq 8, 102 37 Qq 100–102, C&AG’s Report Figure 9 38 Q 60 39 Qq 3–4; Letter from Department for Transport to PAC, 31 January 2025 40 EVS0006 15 2 Improving drivers’ experience of using public charge points Consumer experience
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms OZEV works within the DfT's Road Transport Group to encourage chargepoint installation on major road schemes, addressing one aspect of the conclusion. However, the provided response does not detail actions on fire safety techniques or related public information.
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HM Treasury
22
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
In 2021, the Department consulted on drivers’ experience of using public charge points, identifying that the use of public charge points was becoming too complex. In particular, there were too many different payment methods required between different operators, pricing was often unclear and charge points were often unreliable.41
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In 2021, the Department consulted on drivers’ experience of using public charge points, identifying that the use of public charge points was becoming too complex. In particular, there were too many different payment methods required between different operators, pricing was often unclear and charge points were often unreliable.41
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Government response AI summary
The government has appointed the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to regulate the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, which address the identified concerns about complexity, payment methods, and reliability. The department will monitor compliance and review the PCPR within five years.
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HM Treasury
23
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
In 2023, the Department introduced the Public Charge point Regulations to address these concerns. These are being introduced over two years to November 2025, but most are already in force. Regulations that are in force include: • Making prices clearer and easier to compare by requiring the maximum price for …
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In 2023, the Department introduced the Public Charge point Regulations to address these concerns. These are being introduced over two years to November 2025, but most are already in force. Regulations that are in force include: • Making prices clearer and easier to compare by requiring the maximum price for a charging session to be displayed in a consistent format across charge points • Making it easier to pay, by requiring all rapid charge points and new charge points of 8Kw and above to have contactless payments, and all charge points must have free 24/7 helplines • Improving the reliability of charging, by introducing a requirement that all rapid charge points must meet a 99% reliability standard. • Charge points must provide a range of live data to motorists including where they are located and whether they are available to use, which the Department stated can be aggregated by third party companies to help drivers locate charge points.42
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 are being regulated by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, with ongoing monitoring of compliance and impact, and a review planned within five years.
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HM Treasury
24
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
When asked how it will monitor whether the regulations are working as intended the Department stated that it is only just starting to see the impact of these regulations and will keep them under review, in part 41 C&AG’s Report para 15 42 Q 82; C&AG’s Report paras 15, 3.3 …
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When asked how it will monitor whether the regulations are working as intended the Department stated that it is only just starting to see the impact of these regulations and will keep them under review, in part 41 C&AG’s Report para 15 42 Q 82; C&AG’s Report paras 15, 3.3 and Figure 10 16 through the public attitudes work that the Department does to monitor consumer sentiment about electric vehicles. It anticipates that this research will also alert it to new concerns, such as perceived barriers to adoption by drivers who do not use an electric vehicle, as well as the likelihood of existing electric vehicle owners to switch back to petrol or diesel vehicles.43 In looking at whether areas of poor reliability could emerge within the 99% reliability standard for rapid chargers, the Department responded that the 99% standard applied to each charge point operator and that they thought it was exacting enough to ensure there was not much variability across an operator’s network. It stated that it will be monitoring the data on reliability and anticipates that the wider electric vehicle community are also likely to be paying attention to which operators meet the standard or otherwise.44 The cost of charging
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Government response AI summary
The government states the recommendation is implemented, confirming it has appointed OPSS as regulator for the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 and will monitor compliance through OPSS reports, its Technology Tracker, chargepoint data, and engagement with industry. The regulations will be reviewed within five years.
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HM Treasury
25
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Acknowledged
The Department expects that most people will charge their vehicles at home using private charge points, however, those reliant solely on public charging, such as those without access to off–street parking, pay significantly more to charge their vehicles. This is because the cost of public charging reflects aspects such as …
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The Department expects that most people will charge their vehicles at home using private charge points, however, those reliant solely on public charging, such as those without access to off–street parking, pay significantly more to charge their vehicles. This is because the cost of public charging reflects aspects such as the wholesale price of electricity, charge point operator margins, and the difference between the value added tax charged on electricity from private (5%) and public charge points (20%). This means drivers using public charge points can pay around two to three times more to charge their vehicle than someone charging at home, depending on the type of charge point used.45
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the committee's conclusion, stating it has appointed OPSS to regulate the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, already monitors the cost of charging across various channels, and will continue to work with HM Treasury to understand cost variances and policy impacts on …
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HM Treasury
26
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
The Department stated that it monitors the different prices charged by different networks, and models the costs of different charging behaviours, such as whether someone does all their charging overnight on a driveway or entirely on more expensive rapid charging on the public network.46 The Department has also made efforts …
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The Department stated that it monitors the different prices charged by different networks, and models the costs of different charging behaviours, such as whether someone does all their charging overnight on a driveway or entirely on more expensive rapid charging on the public network.46 The Department has also made efforts to widen access to home charging rates for those that park on–street through issuing guidance around using gullies and other means to safely house cables across pavements.47 As the market is maturing, it is starting to see cheaper tariffs appear for consumers if they do things like cede control over when their vehicle charges.48 43 Qq 82, 84 44 Q 83 45 C&AG’s Report para 3.8 46 Qq 89–91 47 Q 97 48 Q 36 17
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms it already monitors charging costs across various channels and will continue to work with HM Treasury to understand cost variance. It also outlines new monitoring for the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023.
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HM Treasury
27
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Not Addressed
The Department acknowledged that there are certain demographic groups who are less likely to have off street parking, meaning that people may pay more to drive electric vehicles due to the type of home they live in.49 For example, the Motability Foundation stated that disabled people are less likely to …
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The Department acknowledged that there are certain demographic groups who are less likely to have off street parking, meaning that people may pay more to drive electric vehicles due to the type of home they live in.49 For example, the Motability Foundation stated that disabled people are less likely to own their own home and have access to off–street parking with private charging, which impacts them financially.50 The Department stated that the cost disparity in charging, depending on whether one has access to off–street parking or not, is probably the single biggest challenge to the electric vehicle transition in the UK.51 However, while monitoring that cost disparity, it was not monitoring specifically how different groups of people were impacted by it. It told us that it could do so in future.52 Charge point accessibility
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Government response AI summary
The government details general monitoring of the Public Charge Point Regulations and charging costs, but does not specifically commit to monitoring how cost disparity impacts different demographic groups, which was the core issue highlighted in the committee's observation.
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HM Treasury
28
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Acknowledged
By 2035, 1.35 million drivers with disabilities are expected to be partially or wholly dependent on public charge points, but many charge points, or their surrounding environment, have features which make them inaccessible. These include features such as charge points being placed on kerbs or with obstructions which present difficulties …
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By 2035, 1.35 million drivers with disabilities are expected to be partially or wholly dependent on public charge points, but many charge points, or their surrounding environment, have features which make them inaccessible. These include features such as charge points being placed on kerbs or with obstructions which present difficulties for wheelchair users, and the weight of the cable or force required to attach the connector being too great. In 2022, the Department co–sponsored the creation of a standard with the Motability Foundation to set minimum standards for charge point accessibility, covering areas such as the physical aspects of their placement and surroundings, their design and specification, and the information and indicators provided.53
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the Committee's conclusion, acknowledging the need for an accessible chargepoint network, and highlights its ongoing work to review the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 1899:2022 standard for accessibility, with recommendations and next steps to be confirmed in due course.
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HM Treasury
29
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
However, the Department has not mandated use of the standard. The Motability Foundation told us that two years on from its launch, there are still no charge points in the UK which are fully compliant with the standard. Charge point operators and local authorities have reported that they need to …
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However, the Department has not mandated use of the standard. The Motability Foundation told us that two years on from its launch, there are still no charge points in the UK which are fully compliant with the standard. Charge point operators and local authorities have reported that they need to better understand what compliance with the standard means in practice.54 The Department stated that it believes the standard to be the first in the world. It told us that it has put in place a review of the standard with the British Standards Institution and wider stakeholders to learn about whether the standard works and address practical issues, such as how people will know they have complied. The Department also said the review would identify what further actions may be needed to improve charge 49 Qq 95–97 50 EVS0007 51 Q 92 52 Qq 94–95 53 C&AG’s Report paras 16, 3.10–3.11 54 EVS0007; C&AG’s Report para 16 18 point accessibility, and will make recommendations in early 2025.55 In the meantime, it stated that it has asked local authorities to consider how they are taking accessibility into account through their LEVI projects.56
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the Committee's conclusion, acknowledging the need for an accessible chargepoint network, and highlights its ongoing work with stakeholders to review the PAS 1899:2022 standard for chargepoint accessibility. Recommendations and proposed next steps from this review are to be confirmed in due …
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HM Treasury
30
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Accepted
One of the barriers identified by charge point operators is the availability of components for an accessible charge point. Both the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) and the Motability Foundation report that most operators do not produce their own hardware, and so must source components from international …
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One of the barriers identified by charge point operators is the availability of components for an accessible charge point. Both the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) and the Motability Foundation report that most operators do not produce their own hardware, and so must source components from international supply chains which create components for charging infrastructure across the globe. Surmounting this barrier may require alignment and agreement internationally on what is an accessible charge point, to improve the availability of components which could construct compliant charge points.57
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the Committee, acknowledging the need for an accessible chargepoint network, and commits to continuing to monitor and drive efforts to harmonise with emerging international standards for chargepoint accessibility. The department is also reviewing the PAS 1899:2022 standard, with recommendations and next …
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HM Treasury
31
Conclusion
14th Report - Public charge points for …
Acknowledged
Many disabled people are reliant on their cars as existing public transport does not adequately cater for their needs.58 Failure to address problems with the uptake of the standard will mean that the public charge point network will continue to develop without meeting the needs of drivers with disabilities.59 55 …
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Many disabled people are reliant on their cars as existing public transport does not adequately cater for their needs.58 Failure to address problems with the uptake of the standard will mean that the public charge point network will continue to develop without meeting the needs of drivers with disabilities.59 55 Qq 79, 87; C&AG’s Report para 3.13 56 Q 87 57 EVS0008, EVS0007 58 EVS0007 59 C&AG’s Report para 16 19
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees that the chargepoint network needs to work for all users and is currently reviewing the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 1899:2022 standard for accessibility, with recommendations and proposed next steps to be confirmed in due course. It will also continue to monitor international …
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HM Treasury