How to Get a Grant for a New Driveway in 2026 UK
There is no UK-wide cash grant for a standard new driveway — but in 2026 you can stack the OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant (£350), SuDS permeable-surface rebates (£200–£1,500), and Disabled Facilities Grants (up to £30,000) to take real money off the bill. Here is the step-by-step process, who qualifies, and what paperwork you need.
Planning the work? Check what it usually costs, or work out your own estimate. The free quote form is at the top of this page.
The three grants that actually exist for driveways
- OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant — £350 per chargepoint, flat-owners and renters only since 2025/26. Installer-administered.
- SuDS Rebate — £200–£1,500 for converting impermeable tarmac/concrete to permeable surface. Available via Severn Trent, United Utilities, Wessex, Anglian and others.
- Disabled Facilities Grant — up to £30,000 for adaptations enabling step-free vehicle access. Means-tested via local council.
How to apply — 5 steps
- Identify which schemes apply to you. EV chargepoint? OZEV. Replacing impermeable surface with permeable? SuDS. Disabled occupant needs access? DFG. You can stack all three.
- Gather paperwork. OZEV: tenancy proof or flat ownership, EV V5C or order. SuDS: before-photos, address proof. DFG: occupational therapist referral, means-test info.
- Get a quote from a registered installer. OZEV requires an OZEV-authorised installer. SuDS needs an itemised invoice. DFG needs a council-approved contractor.
- Submit the application. OZEV via installer through OZEV portal. SuDS via your water company portal. DFG via local council housing department.
- Complete works and claim. OZEV netted from invoice. SuDS reimbursed on after-photos. DFG usually paid direct to contractor on sign-off.
Permitted Development & the permeable-surface rule
Since 2008, any front-garden hard surface over 5m² must be made of permeable material or drain to a permeable area — otherwise you need full planning permission. The cheapest compliant options in 2026 are permeable block paving (£80–£120/m²), resin-bound gravel (£80–£140/m²) and loose gravel over a permeable subbase (£40–£70/m²).
Adding a SuDS-compliant surface unlocks the water-company rebate AND keeps you in Permitted Development. Drop kerbs always need separate highways authority approval.
Compare Driveway Quotes & Grant-Eligible Installers
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Compare Driveway Quotes from Vetted Local Driveway Installers
BestBuilders matches you with up to 3 vetted driveway contractors quoting on the same spec — resin, block paving or tarmac.
Frequently asked questions
No nationwide grant for standard driveways. OZEV (£350 with EV charger), SuDS rebates (£200–£1,500), and DFG (up to £30,000 for disability adaptations) cover specific cases.
£350 toward a smart EV chargepoint, available to flat-owners and renters from 2025/26. Installer applies on your behalf.
Water-company rebate of £200–£1,500 for replacing impermeable driveway with permeable surface. Apply via your water company portal.
Disabled Facilities Grant up to £30,000 (England) for adaptations enabling step-free vehicle access. Means-tested, council-administered.
Permeable surface up to 5m² needs no planning. Impermeable over 5m² needs planning. Drop kerbs always require highways approval.
Block paving £80–£120/m², resin-bound £80–£140/m², tarmac £60–£90/m², gravel £40–£70/m². 40m² project £2,400–£5,200.
Sources used in 2026
- gov.uk — OZEV grants (electric vehicles)
- gov.uk — Disabled Facilities Grants
- gov.uk — Planning Permission
- TrustMark — Government Endorsed Quality Scheme
Methodology: Grant scheme data from official sources May 2026; pricing from BestBuilders' UK installer network.