Electric vehicle charging will become easier across the district thanks to a new grant for public charging points for village halls and community buildings.
Grants of up to £5,000 each are available from South Cambridgeshire District Council towards the cost of installing an EV charger at community buildings.
Once installed, people can use the EV chargers by downloading an app and buying their charging time on their mobile phone.
The first EV charger point expected to be installed in the new year thanks to the grant boost, is at Steeple Morden Village Hall.
Jeremy Clayton, Steeple Morden Parish Council Chair, said “We are delighted to be playing our part in supporting a greener South Cambridgeshire and hope the charger helps to give local people the confidence to consider investing in electric or hybrid vehicles.”
Cllr Brian Milnes, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “As more people switch to cleaner, greener energy, it is vital they can feel reassured about being able to charge electric vehicles in our towns and villages.
“We are serious about reducing deadly air pollution and building a greener economy, so are really pleased to be able to support communities to deliver these charging points, for both residents and visitors to the area.”
Grant applications will be assessed on deliverability and positive impact. Chargers must be publicly accessible and funding will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Projects must demonstrate there is a demand for an EV charger.
Initial funding of up to £20,000 is available to be awarded before the end of March 2023. If the initial fund proves successful, South Cambridgeshire District Council will seek to continue funding support for community charging points after that date.
• More information, guidance, and the application form can be found at the grant’s webpage. Any questions, please contact evcp.grant@scambs.gov.uk
