Parties to Arrange Reimbursement for Free EV Charging at Stormont
Three political parties whose Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have received free electric vehicle (EV) charging at Stormont have stated they will arrange reimbursement for the additional benefit obtained.
MLAs driving electric cars have access to free charging facilities at Stormont, despite already receiving travel expenses, a situation that has drawn criticism as "ludicrous." Six EV charging points have been installed behind Parliament Buildings for use by assembly members and staff.
MLAs are entitled to an annual allowance for attending Stormont, which amounts to nearly £7,000 for those travelling the furthest distances. The use of the charging points is permitted under existing rules.
NI understands that three MLAs who have used the charging points are Pam Cameron and Trevor Clarke, both of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), and David Honeyford of the Alliance Party.
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA Robbie Butler has confirmed he has made "occasional" use of the charging facilities and stated he will engage with authorities to consider "repaying any benefit deemed appropriate."
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA Timothy Gaston told NI on Wednesday that such usage could mean the public is "effectively paying twice for MLAs to travel to Stormont," given that travel expenses are already paid.
DUP Confirms MLA Usage and Calls for Pay-to-Charge System
On Thursday, the DUP confirmed that three of its MLAs had used the EV charging points at Parliament Buildings, with two identified as Clarke and Cameron. The party said its leader, Gavin Robinson, has requested that the three MLAs engage with assembly authorities to arrange reimbursement for the additional benefit received through electricity usage.
The DUP issued a statement saying:
"Parliament Buildings should operate on the same pay-to-charge basis as public charging facilities across Northern Ireland. No DUP MLAs will avail of the charging facility until it becomes a pay-to-charge station."
UUP MLA Robbie Butler confirmed his occasional use of the chargers but noted that his primary car charging is done at home. He emphasized that while he has claimed allowances in accordance with assembly rules, he has "ceased using the facility" in recognition of public interest.
He added:
"As an individual, and in line with my party's wishes, I believe it is important to maintain public confidence in the proper use of public funds. While I have acted fully within the rules and any benefit received was legitimately accrued under the arrangements in place, I am happy to engage with the assembly authorities on this matter, including consideration of repaying any benefit deemed appropriate."
UUP leader Jon Burrows stated that the policy should be revised so that MLAs pay for EV charging services "as the public do." He further said:
"In the meantime no MLA from any party should be using the free EV chargers until there is a mechanism to pay for it."
Alliance Party and Other Parties Respond
Alliance MLA David Honeyford is also reported to have used the charging facilities. The party released a statement saying:
"Electric vehicle charging at Parliament Buildings is the responsibility of the Assembly Commission, and our MLAs follow its rules. We will be proposing the commission introduce a charge for EV use. Until this is actioned, any Alliance representative who has used or will use charging points will cover the cost to date to ensure value for money."
A Sinn Féin spokesperson stated that the party "does not hold any information in relation to MLA modes of transport." The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) confirmed that none of its MLAs owns an electric vehicle and that "no staff member can access the free EV charging car park."
TUV MLA Timothy Gaston claimed his party had "observed MLAs from various (other) parties using the charging points." He urged those MLAs "to be clear with the public" and warned that "failure to do so will profoundly undermine confidence in MLAs."
Details of Charging Facilities and Costs
Six EV charging points are located in an upper car park that is not accessible to the general public. These are available to MLAs, party support staff, and assembly employees through a daily booking system.
The assembly confirmed to NI, in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, that:
"The charging points are free of charge to users."
It also stated that no "metered data" is held from the EV chargers to confirm total costs to the public purse. An assembly spokesperson later added that records are only maintained on a "short-term basis," and bookings for one week in May cost approximately £325.
A nearby visitors' car park on the Stormont estate has two EV charging points, which are not free to use.
