Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted
Local authorities faced delays due to unrealistic capability building and late procurement changes
Conclusion
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
Government Response 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.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2025 2.2 The department will write to the Committee within six months to provide an update on the progress and delivery of the LEVI programme, including the areas specified in the recommendation. 2.3 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. 2.4 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.