Andy Burnham’s new ‘24p driveway fee’ — started in October

Andy Burnham’s new ‘24p driveway fee’ — started in October The Prime Minister has hit drivers with driveway rule changes this October, with VAT rates slashed, leading to lower EV charging rates. 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 11:47, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 Updated: 11:51, Sun, Oct 25, 2026 Andy Burnham has overseen new driveway updates in the UK (Image: Getty) Andy Burnham has overseen major updates to driveway rules this October, with a new 24p fee among the updates. The Prime Minister and Labour leader cut VAT rates on domestic electricity supplies from October 1, with fees slashed from 5% to 0%. The update was aimed at helping household electricity bills, but the move has also impacted electric car owners who top up at home. The reduction of VAT fees means that drivers are now paying less to top up their battery, with analysis from costpermile.co.uk suggesting those with a smart tariff will now be charged just 7p per kWh or 2p per mile . However, with previous analysis suggesting more than half of EV owners (51%) don’t have access to a smart tariff, many rely on their standard domestic rates instead. The 5% VAT cut has also been a boost for these owners, with costpermile.co.uk analysis suggesting these road users are now paying just 24p per kWh to charge their vehicles. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT This would work out at around 6.9p per mile, or around £690 per year for motorists travelling an average of 10,000 miles every 12 months. In comparison, those without access to their own driveway or off-street parking bay will need to rely on public charging fees. These are still hit with the 20% VAT rate, which has sent costs soaring and widened the driveway divide between home and public. Motorists topping up their cars at an on-street lamppost are likely to pay around 44p per kWh or 12.6p per mile. Get tips and tricks to help with cleaning, laundry and heating your house plus selected offers and competitions 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 . Meanwhile, those relying on chargers at retail parks and supermarkets are set to pay even more, with fees closer to 52p per kWh or 14.9p per mile. Mr Burnham’s decision to cut domestic charging fees as public costs continue to surge has been met with some opposition. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Tom Preston, Chief Executive Officer at Hippo Leasing stressed the decision not to equalise VAT fees had probably cost some high-mileage EV owners as much as £389 per year. He added: “Equally, the current 20% VAT rate on public EV charging effectively penalises motorists who don't have a driveway. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Andy Burnham introduces new 12.9p VAT cut to help electric car owners Every older driver above 70 hit with October DVLA warning EV owners charging at home are paying less VAT (Image: Getty) "Right now, it costs more to plug in on the street than it does at home, and that's exactly backwards for the drivers who don't have a driveway, often the ones we most need to bring into EVs. The people paying more are usually the ones who can least afford it, such as renters and flat-dwellers.” Driveway Andy Burnham Electric cars Energy Energy bills Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments