Agenda item

The Cabinet is asked to approve a report to adopt and publish the Oldham Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Strategy and Action Plan.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Place/ Deputy Chief Executive that sought adoption and publication the Oldham Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy and Action Plan.

The Oldham Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy and Action Plan sets out the future direction for EVCI in Oldham. It would ensure that the Council’s plans will align with relevant national, regional and local policies, as well as Oldham’s goals to decarbonise the borough by 2030.

The strategy outlined how Oldham Council was committed to making EVCI more accessible, appropriate and available for our residents - a significant step in overcoming the barriers to EV ownership and helping to make the borough a more attractive place to live and work.

The Action Plan outlined a phased approach over the next three years of smaller work packages that lay the foundations for larger, more ambitious schemes. Each action works towards the overall vision of the strategy and will utilise grant funding where available, whilst acknowledging the role commercial charge-point operators will also play.

The Oldham EVCI Strategy and Action Plan was intended to support the borough’s ambitions for growing the EVCI network across the borough, with key actions set out over the next three years to support this.

The Cabinet was informed that the report had been considered by the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board, held on 12^th June 2025, where the recommendations were supported and endorsed.

Options/alternatives considered:

Option 1 - To adopt and publish the Oldham Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy and Action Plan for the borough. To use the strategy and action plan to guide us towards our vision of making EVCI more accessible, appropriate and available for our residents. To use currently available and future grant funding opportunities to improve the EVCI offer across Oldham. 

Option 2 – To not adopt and publish the Oldham Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy and Action Plan for the borough. To not use the strategy and action plan to guide us towards our vision of making EVCI more accessible, appropriate and available for our residents. To not use currently available and future grant funding opportunities to improve the EVCI offer across Oldham. 

Option 1 was the preferred Option.

Resolved:

1.    That the Cabinet notes the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board endorsement and support for the recommendations, detailed in the submitted report, on this item, from their meeting held on 12^th June 2025.

2.    Cabinet notes that this item will be exempt from call-in, under Rule 14 of the Constitution, as the report has already been considered by the Place, Economic Growth and Environment Scrutiny Board.

3.    That the Cabinet authorises the adoption and publication of the Oldham Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) Strategy and Action Plan for the borough.

4.    That the Cabinet agrees to use the strategy and action plan to guide us towards our vision of making EVCI more accessible, appropriate and available for our residents.

5.    That the Cabinet agrees to utilise currently available and future grant funding opportunities to improve the EVCI offer across the Borough of Oldham.