If you have our permission to carry out alterations to your council home, you may be entitled to compensation at the end of your tenancy. This comes under the Secure Tenants of Local Authorities Regulations 1994.

When you end your tenancy, to claim compensation you must apply in writing within the period starting 28 days before, and ending 14 days after your tenancy comes to an end.

You will have to include certain information, for example, a letter of consent from us, receipted invoices, copies of building certificates, and planning permission if required.

More customers are considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), but before buying an EV you should consider the availability of charging facilities. Some customers may wish to install private charging points at their home, but there are important matters to consider as this is not always possible.

The frequently asked questions below will guide you through available options and installation requirements.

• Do I need to seek Wolverhampton Homes (WH) permission to install an Electric Vehicle Charging Point (EVCP)?

Yes. This is considered as a tenant improvement and permission must be requested.

This is because not all homes are suitable for an EV charger and there are important technical points to also consider.

• What information do I need to provide to Wolverhampton Homes to support my request?

There are a number of factors we must consider when granting permission for you to install an electric vehicle charging point. These include: do you have your own dedicated off-road parking space and if yes, do you have adequate access to your own metered electricity supply?

All electric vehicle charging points must have a dedicated electricity supply going directly to your home consumer unit (fuse board). A charging point cannot be installed off another circuit within your home. You also cannot install a charger where the cable to your vehicle will trail across any neighbour boundary, public footpaths or pavements.

Due to external wall insulation systems, some homes cannot have an electric vehicle charging point fixed to the walls. If this applies to your home, the charging point will need to be post mounted.

We also need to survey your home to agree the cabling route to ensure no asbestos containing materials will be disturbed.

• I live in a flat, can I install an electric vehicle charging point?

If you live in a flat, it is very unlikely you will be able to install a private electric vehicle charging point. This is because no dedicated off-street parking is available to you, neither will it normally be possible to install an electricity cable for the charging point from your personal metered supply.

• Do I need approval from my electricity supplier?

Yes. Some older homes cannot accommodate a charging point because of the suppliers network. You will need to provide us with evidence that you have approval from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). For more information: Connecting electric vehicle chargepoints to the electricity network - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Can I install an electric vehicle charging point myself?

Anyone installing a charging point must be competent to do so. Prior to permission being granted, we will need evidence the installation will be compliant with Part S of the Building Regulations and the IET Code of Practice for Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Installations. Evidence of the installer’s competency to undertake the installation in accordance with BS7676:2018+A2:2002, Part 7 (special installations) is also required.

• Is there any financial support available to install an electric vehicle charging point?

No financial support is currently available from Wolverhampton Homes or the City of Wolverhampton Council, but government grants may be available. Further information can be found on their website: Electric vehicle chargepoint grant for renters or flat owners: What you can get - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• If I install an electric vehicle charging point, will Wolverhampton Homes maintain it?

No. Wolverhampton Homes or the council are not responsible for the maintenance of any tenant's own improvements. You are responsible for any maintenance or repair costs of an electric charging point that you have installed. Wolverhampton Homes must undertake regular safety testing of electrical installations at its properties. The charging point system will be included in any future testing and inspection, but should any safety repairs be required, it is your responsibility to pay for these.

We are only responsible for the maintenance of electric vehicle charging points that we have installed.

• If I cannot install an electric vehicle charging point, what public charges are available?

New public chargers are being installed across the city. Websites are available that provide information regarding public charging facilities, for example: EV charging stations & electric vehicles - Zapmap (zap-map.com)