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.
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
BestBuilders matches you with up to 3 TrustMark / CheckaTrade approved installers. Confirm grant eligibility upfront — all for free.
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. Last fact-checked: .