The Government has pledged to tackle the UK’s growing ‘charging divide’ with new action to support drivers without off-street parking following a debate in the House of Lords.

During the debate, Baroness Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson, pressed ministers to make EV charging fairer and more affordable for households without driveways.

Backed by EVA England and its partners New Automotive, the REA and Kerbocharge, Baroness Pidgeon’s set of two amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill sought to remove charging barriers for UK households without off-street parking by helping them access cross-pavement solutions.

Currently, these households must rely on public charge points, which can cost up to 10 times more than charging at home.

As a result of the debate, the Government has now committed to a formal consultation on extending permitted development rights for home charging, to be followed by secondary legislation “as soon as possible”.

It’s also pledged to write to all local authorities, urging them to use their own highways contractors to support the installation of cross-pavement charging solutions in a move to reduce licensing delays and costs for residents.

Speaking in the Lords, Baroness Pidgeon said: “Up to 40% of UK households do not have access to off-street parking. They therefore rely on public charge points, which can cost up to 10 times more than charging at home.

“This amendment would help to democratise access to electric vehicles and reduce inequalities.”

Baroness Pidgeon also called for action to streamline approvals for cross-pavement charging channels simpler.

Currently, such channels, which allow a home charger cable to run safely under the pavement, can cost the resident around £3,000 and take over a year for approval.

But in Northern Ireland, residents can now apply online for these channels, expediting authorisation.

Responding on behalf of the Government, Minister Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill said: “The Government have listened to the concerns raised by noble Lords on this matter and further support the aim that the noble Baroness intends with this amendment.”

Baroness Pidgeon responded: “Finding ways to make it easier for people who do not have driveways to move to electric vehicles is so important for our green transition. I welcome the Minister’s commitment to consult on permitted developments, followed by secondary legislation as soon as possible, and to write to all local authorities to speed up cross-pavement installations.”

Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, welcomed the progress as she spotlighted how cross-pavement charging channels can democratise EV ownership.

“Drivers without access to private driveways should not be barred from going electric. Yet in reality this is what is happening. Evidence shows that drivers relying solely on the public network are finding EVs much more expensive and are less likely to make the switch.”

Following the Government’s commitments, she added: “These steps are a positive move towards making EV ownership fairer for all.”