AQW 13153/17-22

Mr Andrew Muir
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 21/01/2021
Answered On Date: 28/01/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what opportunities are available for match funding for public bodies that wish to install electric vehicle charge points.

Answer:

Funding to support the early market for ultra-low emission vehicles is available from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). The British Government doubled funding to £20 million for 2020/21 for the installation of charge points on residential streets. The application process is open to relevant Local Authorities in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The funding available is for 75% of the capital costs of procuring and installing the charge point and an associated dedicated parking bay (where applicable). My officials have been engaging with OZEV and with the Energy Saving Trust (EST), who administer the scheme, in particular, with reference to Local Authorities in Northern Ireland. The EST has since held a workshop with Local Authorities in Northern Ireland about the scheme. Details of funding for the On-street residential Charge Point scheme can be found via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grants-for-local-authorities-to-provide-residential-on-street-chargepoints

Details of funding for the workplace charging scheme can be found via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-grants-for-low-emission-vehicles#workplace-charging-scheme

I fully recognise the importance of having modern, reliable public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in providing confidence for users of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and in respect of the connectivity improvements this would bring. I am committed to exploring all options and new solutions to enhance our charge point infrastructure, improve lives and tackle the climate emergency.