Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Environment submitted a report for Executive’s consideration.

The aim of the report was to approve the acceptance of funding granted from the On-street Residential Charge point Scheme (ORCS) for the value of £209,582 (£125,750 from ORCS, and £83,333 from Ubitricity). It was also to provide up to 160 electric vehicle charging points, utilising existing lamp columns, in partnership with supplier Ubitricity.

Executive was advised that as part of National policy, the sale of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles would be banned from 2030. Electric vehicles were increasing in popularity/accessibility, however supporting infrastructure (such as charging facilities) was not yet in a position to fully support this transition.

Many residential properties had off-street parking opportunities; allowing a vehicle to be charged on privately owned land through dedicated charging facilities. However, access to private driveways was limited across some areas of the Borough, such as terraced house streets.

Middlesbrough Council had successfully applied for ORCS funding for 60% (£125,750.00) of the value of the proposal. Ubitricity would provide the remaining 40% (£83,333) contribution which made it nil cost to the council. The Funding Agreement letter was contained in appendix 2 for Funding Agreement Letter.

A fixed term agreement of 15 years would be in place to ensure that both Middlesbrough Council and Ubitricity were aware of the requirements/terms and conditions for the delivery of the project. The Charge points would be placed in Middlesbrough Council owned assets with the service being managed by Ubitricity. As part of the agreement, the Council would earn an income of 5% of fees generated.

ORDERED that Executive:

1.    Approve the receipt of grant funding from ORCS and the match funding from Ubitricity;

2.    Agree to enter into a 15-year contract; and

3.    Approve the methodology outlined to deliver the On-street electric vehicle charging points.

OPTIONS

Not accept the funding; this was not recommended as it would not allow the Council and residents to realise the benefits associated with the delivery of on-street residential electric vehicle charging points.

Fund the project using Council resources; a successful application had been made to provide grant funding (working in partnership with Ubitricity) which removed the requirement for any Council funding requirements.

Use an alternate delivery partner; Ubitricity (part of Shell) were a well-established provider of infrastructure and offered a competitive offer to Middlesbrough Council. Other operators could not offer the same level of support, expertise and financial incentives.

REASONS

The report aimed to provide availability of on street charge points in residential streets where off-street parking was not available. The proposal therefore ensured that living in locations without off-street parking capability was not a barrier to owing an electric vehicle.

The proposals also ensured that the Council was supporting the green agenda.