Salford Liberal Democrats call for fair EV charging access for apartment residents
Salford Liberal Democrats have submitted a motion to Salford City Council calling for action to ensure residents living in apartments are not left behind in the transition to electric vehicles.
Councillor Paul Heilbron, Liberal Democrat councillor for The Quays, has tabled a motion asking the Council to improve support for residents who want to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers in their allocated parking spaces.
In parts of Salford, particularly areas with large numbers of apartment buildings, more than 90% of homes are flats. While many residents own their homes and have dedicated parking spaces, they are often unable to install EV charging points due to restrictions imposed by freeholders or managing agents.
The motion also calls on the Council to review how it monitors whether apartment developments are delivering the EV charging infrastructure required by the Salford Local Plan or agreed through the planning process. The proposal asks officers to consider introducing reasonable post-construction checks and reporting so that councillors can see whether EV charging provision promised in planning permissions is being delivered in completed developments.
Councillor Heilbron said:
“Thousands of Salford residents live in apartments and many have their own allocated parking spaces, yet they are often prevented from installing EV chargers even when they are willing to pay for the installation themselves.
If we want people to switch to electric vehicles, we need to make sure the transition works for everyone — not just those who live in houses with driveways.”
The motion calls on the Council to publish clearer guidance for residents, freeholders and managing agents about installing EV chargers in apartment developments. It also asks officers to work with housing providers and building managers to encourage EV-friendly consent policies in existing buildings and to explore opportunities to expand charging provision in council-owned residential and public car parks.
In addition, the motion calls on the Government to introduce clearer national guidance and stronger rights for leaseholders to install EV charging points in their own parking spaces where it is safe to do so.
Councillor Heilbron added:
“Apartment residents should not be at a disadvantage when it comes to cleaner transport.
This motion is about making sure the shift to electric vehicles works for people living in flats as well as those living in houses.”
ENDS
• The motion asks Salford City Council to review how it monitors whether EV charging provision required by the Salford Local Plan or planning permissions is delivered in completed developments.
• The motion also proposes clearer guidance for residents and building managers and seeks national action to strengthen leaseholders’ rights to install EV chargers.