Written evidence from Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council (EL0147)

1. Does Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council currently have an EV infrastructure strategy? If not, what barriers or reasons are preventing Walsall Council from developing a strategy?

Locally, Walsall Council is in the process of developing an EV Charge Point Infrastructure Strategy. This strategy is drafted with the intention to consult with the public over Winter 23/24 and adoption in Spring 2024. Walsall Council has also refreshed its net zero commitment, to meet the wider regional West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) target to be net zero by 2041.

At a regional level, Walsall Council are part of a partnership with the wider three Black Country local authorities (Dudley MBC, City of Wolverhampton Council and Sandwell MBC) to deliver the Black Country Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) Strategy, and at a wider regional level the forthcoming West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Infrastructure for Zero Emissions Vehicles Strategy. The three strategies all align and support the future delivery of EV infrastructure in Walsall and the wider West Midlands.

2. What challenges have Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council experienced in developing or implementing an EV Infrastructure Strategy? Is there further support (financial or other) or guidance from Government that could assist Local Authorities in developing and delivering EV Infrastructure?

Walsall Council commissioned City Science Ltd to lead the development of the Walsall EV Charge Point Infrastructure Strategy, working with in partnership with City Science and our regional partners in Black Country Transport and the West Midlands Combined Authority to review the strategy.

City Science has proven experience in the development of other EV strategies nationally and the delivery of public sector charging infrastructure, which provided Walsall Council with the confidence and reassurance to utilise their technical expertise in the development of our EV infrastructure strategy.

Black Country Transport and West Midlands Combined Authority, being key strategic regional partners to Walsall Council with the dedicated resource and technical expertise to support Walsall Council to undertake a strategic review through the strategy development.

The development of the Walsall EV Charge Point Infrastructure Strategy was funded through Integrated Transport Block funding at Walsall Council, outside of dedicated zero emission vehicle funding sources, such as LEVI funding.

A key consideration for Walsall Council going forward in the implementation of the EV infrastructure strategy is ensuring the inclusive transition to EV and EV charging infrastructure in levelling up our borough. Further support around commercial operation of charge point operators and procurement would be welcome to support Walsall Council to support the most appropriate commercial routes to take forward through implementation.

3. Are you currently a recipient of any UK Government funding (e.g. LEVI or ORCS funding?) to support the development of EV infrastructure?

The four Black Country authorities collectively secured £1.15m of ORCS grant funding to deliver approximately 317 charge points at 158 locations across the region. This includes £254,000 of ORCS grant funding for 70 charging sockets at 35 locations in Walsall. This programme of delivery is being led on behalf of Walsall Council, and the three remaining Black Country authorities, by Black Country Transport with delivery expected in Spring 2024.

The West Midlands was also awarded up to £3,016,582 LEVI Pilot 22/23 funding which includes an allocation of £226,000 for neighbourhood EV charging hub in Pelsall, Walsall. This scheme delivery is being led on behalf of Walsall Council by Black Country Transport.

The West Midlands Combined Authority has secured a total of £1,204,000 LEVI Capability Funding across the 3-year period to 2025. In the 22/23 instalment, the WMCA has an allocation of £216,720. Although Walsall Council has not secured any dedicated resource specifically through this capability funding, 2 new FTE positions are being funded at a Black Country level. This Black Country level resource will be shared across the four Black Country authorities, including Walsall Council.

The West Midlands Combined Authority also has an indicative allocation of £14,549,000 for Tranche LEVI Tranche 1, including an allocation to be determined for infrastructure in Walsall.