Everything you need to know as new UK driveway rule now in force | Personal Finance | Finance

The Government has boosted grants for electric vehicle chargers from £350 to £500 in a landmark rule change that took effect on April 1, 2026.
The increased funding targets renters, flat owners and those without driveways who have been put off switching to electric vehicles due to charging concerns.
The grant typically covers half the cost of having an EV charger fitted at home and extends to alternative solutions like cross-pavement chargers for properties without driveways.
Keir Mather, Minister for Decarbonisation, said the uplift “is going to cover almost half the cost of the typical install of a charge point, about 42% of the cost”. He highlighted that home charging costs around 2p per mile, making a journey from London to Birmingham cost approximately £3.50.
Businesses, schools and other organisations are also eligible to apply for the enhanced grant scheme.
Tina McKenzie from the Federation of Small Businesses welcomed the move, noting that 51% of small firms say more charging infrastructure would incentivise them to switch to electric vehicles.
Ben Beadle of the National Residential Landlords Association said almost nine in 10 landlords would install EV charge points if tenants requested them.