| answer text |
<p>Ministers have regularly engaged with local authorities (LAs) regarding electric
vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The Secretary of State for Transport wrote to the CEOs
of all UK LAs in February to update them on the funding available to them. My predecessor
wrote to the Chief Executives and Leaders of 20 councils that had a lower than average
chargepoint per head of population to encourage them to engage with OZEV officials.
Since this letter, my officials have hosted several meetings with members of these
councils, providing support and advice. My officials from the Office for Zero Emission
Vehicles (OZEV) have a programme of activities to engage and support LAs, to help
mainstream local capability and leadership and ensure LAs are working to support chargepoint
rollout in their areas.</p><p> </p><p>The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme
(ORCS) is available to all UK local authorities to provide public chargepoints for
their residents without access to private parking. This year, £20 million is available
under the scheme to ensure more local authorities and residents can benefit. The Scheme
is administered on the Department’s behalf by Energy Saving Trust, who offer expert
advice and support to local authorities throughout the application process. Energy
Saving Trust, in partnership with the OZEV, also hosts a library of webinars and guidance
documents focussing on the challenges that authorities face when installing charging
infrastructure, while promoting the available funding. This includes engagement with
councils in the Devolved Administrations. For example, in May 2021, Energy Saving
Trust presented to Northern Irish council officers about the ORCS, with OZEV officials
present to answer questions.</p>
|
|
