General information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the sources below or take advice for your situation.
On 21 October 2026 the government opened two consultations on electric vehicle (EV) charge points in England. One looks at the building regulations for new and renovated buildings. The other looks at how tenants and leaseholders get permission to fit a charge point. Both close at 11.59pm on 16 December 2026. Nothing has changed in law yet.
What Part S covers today
Part S of the building regulations sets the rules for EV charging in England. In most cases it requires EV charge points in new buildings and in buildings undergoing major renovation. In covered car parks, the rules currently ask for cable routes rather than charge points.
There is also a cost limit. Charge points must be fitted until the average connection cost for each one goes over £3,600. After that, the remaining spaces get cable routes instead.
What the government is asking about
- Covered car parks. Whether new and majorly renovated covered car parks, both enclosed and open-sided, should need charge points like other buildings.
- The £3,600 cost cap. Whether it should be updated for inflation since 2021, and whether it should rise each year in line with CPI.
- Wider changes to Part S. These include possible minimum standards for charge points, such as load management and PEN fault protection, and changes to Approved Document S on wiring standards and voltage drop.
Tenants, leaseholders and the “ability to charge”
The second consultation is about permission. Tenants and leaseholders often need their landlord’s or freeholder’s agreement to fit a charge point, even on their own driveway and at their own cost. The government says some requests are turned down without a clear reason.
It is asking for views on an “ability to charge”: a clear route for tenants and leaseholders with off-street parking to ask for permission, with support for landlords and freeholders on how to respond. This could come through legislation, guidance or both.
What this means in practice
- Developers and main contractors: if you have schemes with covered parking, keep an eye on the outcome, as it could change what Part S asks for on future jobs.
- Landlords and freeholders: expect more requests from residents to fit charge points, and a clearer process for handling them if the proposals go ahead.
- Anyone can respond. Both consultations are open to the public on GOV.UK.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you are planning a refurbishment or new build with parking and want help pricing the work, request a quote.
Sources
- Amending the building regulations: electric vehicle charging infrastructure, GOV.UK (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government). Accessed 26 October 2026.
- Building regulations: amendments relating to EV charging infrastructure, GOV.UK (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government). Accessed 26 October 2026.
- Expanding electric vehicle charging access for tenants and leaseholders, GOV.UK. Accessed 26 October 2026.