Andy Burnham introduces new 6.9p per mile driveway rule – starts in October

Andy Burnham introduces new 6.9p per mile driveway rule – starts in October Andy Burnham has overseen driveway rule updates this October, with electric car owners set to feel the impact. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Luke Chillingsworth , Cars Reporter 19:08, Sat, Oct 24, 2026 Andy Burnham has overseen new driveway rule updates (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham has introduced new driveway rule changes in October, with motorists facing 6.9p per mile fees as part of the new updates. Mr Burnham has cut VAT rates on domestic electricity from 5% to 0% , with EV owners also impacted. Electric car owners who use their domestic home supply to charge, either on a driveway or an off-street parking space, can take advantage of new savings. According to analysis from costpermile.co.uk , road users topping up at home with a smart off-peak tariff could be paying just 7p per kWh, or 2p per mile. However, previous data shows that just 49% of EV owners have a smart specialist tariff in place, with many still relying on their standard domestic home tariff. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT According to costpermile.co.uk , this is charged at a slightly higher 24p per kWh, and works out at around 6.9p per mile when on the roads. Motorists who travel an average of 10,000 miles per year are therefore paying around £690 to get behind the wheel. However, those without access to off-street parking or without a driveway will not enjoy the savings, with public VAT electricity rates still charged at 20%. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . In comparison, analysis shows that road users charging their cars in retail parks or supermarkets are paying closer to 52p per kWh, or 14.9p per mile. According to costpermile.co.uk , all fees were calculated for a standard family electric hatchback or SUV car achieving an average efficiency of 3.5 miles per kWh. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT However, not everyone is positive about the changes, with fears that Mr Burnham’s move has widened the so-called ‘driveway divide’ between public and private charging. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Andy Burnham introduces new 2p per mile driveway rule – starts in October Andy Burnham driveway rule confirmed for millions of Brits Electric car owners with driveways are saving with new VAT changes (Image: Getty) The car industry had been pushing for officials to bring public VAT fees into line with private fees, but Mr Burnham instead cut home rates. Experts at Hippo Leasing have previously suggested that slashing VAT rates on public charging could have saved drivers as much as £389 per year. Earlier this month, Tom Hurst, UK Country Director at Fastned, added: “There is already a driveway divide between electric vehicle users who can charge at home and those who can’t, which risks making the switch to electric harder for millions of people. [The] VAT change makes this divide even more striking. An electric car should be an option for everyone, regardless of whether you have a driveway.” Andy Burnham Driveway Electric cars Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments