Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Update committee on LEVI programme progress, spending, procurement outcomes, and local authority support
Conclusion
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
Government Response 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.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. the progress and delivery of the LEVI programme, including the areas specified in the recommendation. Since publication of the Committee’s report, a further 28 projects have been approved. As of the end of March 2025, 38 of the 78 LEVI projects have been approved for delivery. In addition, a further 33 projects have been issued with their funding alongside actions to complete ahead of procurement. By the end of financial year 2024-25, £324.6 million of LEVI capital funding was awarded to 71 projects. These projects comprised 100 local authorities as some collaborated and submitted joint applications. The department continues to work closely with local authorities to ensure they are supported to progress their LEVI projects. In December 2024, the government confirmed an additional £22 million to continue the LEVI Capability Fund in financial year 2025-26. This should help ensure local authorities can retain existing expertise to deliver LEVI projects and wider charging infrastructure.