Electric vehicle cash at risk as council pauses plans

Staffordshire’s £4.5 million electric vehicle (EV) charging scheme is under review, prompting concern that the county could lose out on crucial government funding aimed at improving green transport infrastructure.

The funding, awarded earlier this year through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, was part of a wider £40.8 million regional bid led by a Midlands partnership of local authorities. The plan was to install over 16,000 EV chargers across areas with limited off-street parking – making it easier for more people to make the switch to electric cars.

But following May’s elections, Staffordshire County Council is now under the control of Reform UK, and the new leadership has called the scheme into question. They argue the charging points may not deliver value for money for local taxpayers and are conducting a review before progressing with procurement.

‘Shooting ourselves in the foot’

Green Party councillor Jack Rose has raised the alarm, warning the review could jeopardise the entire project – and potentially see the money reallocated elsewhere in the country.

Speaking at a scrutiny committee this week, Cllr Rose said:

“I just feel we are risking losing this funding from central government. Other authorities around the country are going to be moving forward with these schemes… it seems to me that Staffordshire County Council are potentially going to be missing out on this.”

Cllr Rose, who represents Stafford West and Rural, also pointed to the potential financial and environmental benefits of the EV infrastructure.

“It seems that the county council are shooting themselves in the foot. We’re losing the opportunity to invest in local infrastructure, we won’t have this revenue source, and residents will miss the chance to save hundreds of pounds.”

A ‘duty’ to review spending

In response, council leader Ian Cooper defended the decision to pause and reflect on the scheme, insisting that taxpayers’ money must only be spent where there’s a clear benefit.

“We don’t spend taxpayers’ money lightly. We have a duty and a responsibility to ensure that every penny that we spend as a council benefits the people of Staffordshire,” he said. “If it has no benefit, we don’t spend it. If it does, we will.”

Reform UK councillors say there is “little or no demand” for public EV chargers in many rural parts of Staffordshire, and they want more flexibility to tailor the scheme to the county’s needs.

The LEVI funding was secured under the previous Conservative administration. A cabinet decision had been expected in September to award contracts for the first phase of the rollout. That decision is now on hold, and the council says it is considering withdrawing from the procurement process while the review is underway.

What about Stone?

If the scheme does go ahead, a key question remains for towns like Stone: where should EV chargers be prioritised? Many properties in the town have no driveways or garages, making on-street charging provision vital if the government’s targets for electric vehicles are to be met.

This pause in funding raises uncertainty not just for infrastructure planning, but for residents and businesses in Stone who may be looking to make the transition to cleaner transport in the years ahead.

What’s next?

• The council is yet to confirm when the review will conclude.
• No new timeline has been set for progressing with EV charger installations.
• The Department for Transport has not said whether Staffordshire risks losing its share of the LEVI funding if delays continue.

The issue has sparked debate around Staffordshire’s green transport strategy and whether the county will fall behind other areas in delivering low-emission alternatives.