Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department taking to help local authorities with developing an electric vehicle charging transition strategy.

The Government has a programme of engagement and support for local authorities, to ensure all areas are working to help deliver on the phase out of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030. This includes funding the Energy Saving Trust to provide free advice to local authorities in England, on matters such as developing a local electric vehicle charging strategy. In collaboration with the Institution of Engineering and Technology, the Government will soon also publish an electric vehicle infrastructure guide for local authorities, which will support the planning and delivery of electric vehicle chargepoints in their areas. This year £20 million is available under the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme for local authorities, to provide public chargepoints for their residents without access to private parking.

Local authorities are best placed to consider local needs, and the Government’s forthcoming Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy will serve to define the role and responsibilities of local authorities in the delivery of charging infrastructure.

The Government will continue to monitor and engage with local authorities as they progress with their strategies and will work to help mainstream capability and leadership, leading to local action to support zero emission vehicle uptake across every part of the UK.