Is there a government grant for a new driveway in 2026?

There is no UK-wide grant for a standard new driveway. However, the OZEV EV Chargepoint Grant (£350) covers installing an EV charger as part of a driveway project, and Disabled Facilities Grants can fund driveway adaptations (up to £30,000 in England). Some local councils offer SuDS rebates (£200–£1,500) for switching to permeable driveways.

What is the OZEV EV chargepoint grant?

OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) provides £350 toward installing a domestic EV chargepoint. From 2025/26 it is restricted to flat-owners and renters; freehold owner-occupiers were phased out. The chargepoint must be a smart device on the OZEV-approved list and installed by an OZEV-authorised installer.

What is a SuDS rebate and how do I apply?

Several UK water companies (Severn Trent, United Utilities, Wessex Water, Anglian Water) offer Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) rebates of £200–£1,500 if you replace impermeable tarmac/concrete with a permeable surface (resin-bound, gravel, permeable block paving). Application is via your water company; evidence required is before/after photos and contractor invoice.

Can I get a disability grant for a driveway?

Yes — a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) can fund driveway adaptations to provide step-free vehicle access for a disabled occupant. Awards are means-tested up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales, £25,000 in Northern Ireland. Apply via your local council; occupational therapist assessment is required.

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Permitted Development allows up to 5m² of impermeable surface in your front garden without planning permission. Above 5m², the surface must be permeable (resin-bound, permeable block paving, gravel) — or you need full planning. A drop kerb requires highways authority approval regardless of size.

How much does a typical driveway cost in 2026 UK?

Block paving £80–£120/m², resin-bound £80–£140/m², tarmac £60–£90/m², gravel £40–£70/m², concrete £55–£85/m². A typical 40m² driveway runs £2,400–£5,200. Drop kerb adds £800–£2,500 depending on the highway.

How To · Updated May 2026

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.

OZEV EV charger grant SuDS permeable rebates Disabled Facilities Grant

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By the BestBuilders Editorial Team

Researched, written & fact-checked. Reviewed 16 May 2026. How we research & fact-check

Schemes in 2026

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.

Step by Step

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.

Permeable surfaces

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.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is there a government grant for a new driveway?

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.

What is the OZEV grant?

£350 toward a smart EV chargepoint, available to flat-owners and renters from 2025/26. Installer applies on your behalf.

SuDS rebate — what is it?

Water-company rebate of £200–£1,500 for replacing impermeable driveway with permeable surface. Apply via your water company portal.

Disability driveway grant?

Disabled Facilities Grant up to £30,000 (England) for adaptations enabling step-free vehicle access. Means-tested, council-administered.

Planning permission for a driveway?

Permeable surface up to 5m² needs no planning. Impermeable over 5m² needs planning. Drop kerbs always require highways approval.

Typical driveway cost 2026?

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

Sources used in 2026

Methodology: Grant scheme data from official sources May 2026; pricing from BestBuilders' UK installer network. Last fact-checked: 16 May 2026.