Rutland County Council (RCC) is one of 13 Midlands Councils to have been awarded a share of £39.3m funding to get more electric charging points onto the streets. 

More than a dozen Midlands councils came together in January 2023 to create two regional partnerships with the aim of submitting bids to the Government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, alongside with sub-national transport body Midlands Connect. 

Having been successful, this national funding will be used to increase the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging points in each local authority area, with installation expected to take place between 2024 and 2029. An increase of up to 30 charge point sockets is planned for Rutland in the first year, which would more than double the number of charging points in the county. 

Councillor Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport, and the Environment said: "The importance of this investment into electric vehicle infrastructure cannot be overstated, as we move towards a more green and sustainable future for transport.

"We also understand that an increase in transportation options for residents is essential, with the popularity of electric vehicles ever growing. We are a rural area and want people to have a wide range of travel options to choose from therefore, to gain external funding that would not otherwise have been available is a very positive outcome.'

Analysis by Midlands Connect found that the Midlands needs 17,461 new public EV charging points by the end of 2025 to meet the needs of the growing EV market and it's hoped this latest news around the Government funding will increase region-wide installations of charging points. 

Estimates suggest the installation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging points will also help to create jobs in the region, with over 42,000 related roles set to be created in the Midlands by the end of 2032. 

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect, said: "We are delighted our bid to secure over £39mil for 13 councils across the Midlands has been successful. This will really help the region to charge ahead of the pack."

"This is a vital next step in our efforts to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region ahead of the ban of diesel and petrol vehicles in 2030. This funding will improve the lives of those living in the Midlands, particularly for those who do not have access to off-street parking and may struggle to charge their vehicle otherwise."

Rutland County Council will not be installing, maintaining or taking revenue from the new charge points but will be encouraging and enabling the private sector to implement electric vehicle charging points across the county.

For more information about green and active travel in Rutland, including updates on the future rollout of EV charging points in the county, please visit the RCC website.