AQW 5918/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Finance

To ask the Minister of Finance whether his Department intends to update the Building Regulations to require (i) electric vehicle charge points; and (ii) full-fibre connectivity for (a) new; and (b) existing buildings.

Asked by Andrew Muir MLA on 27 July 2020

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
27 July 2020
Answer due by
11 August 2020
Answered
5 August 20209 days after tabling
Department
Department of Finance
Priority question
No

Answer

Policy on electric vehicles is the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), whilst the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in Britain has policy responsibility for broadband connectivity as a reserved matter. The role of Building Regulations as a vehicle to support delivery of electric vehicle charging points and full fibre broadband connectivity is under consideration.

However Building Regulations provide requirements only where building work is being carried out, so any changes would not require retrospective measures for existing buildings where no work is being carried out.

Official sources