Month: October 2025

PolicySustainability

Surrey Council Confident in Meeting Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Goals Despite Grid Connection Delays

Surrey County Council remains confident about installing 2,000 public EV charge points by 2028 despite current infrastructure standing at just 375 units. Officials cite power connection delays as the primary challenge, with some projects waiting years for grid connections. UK Power Networks continues supporting local authorities’ electric charging strategies amid nationwide pressure.

Ambitious EV Infrastructure Targets

Surrey County Council maintains its target to install hundreds of new public on-street electric vehicle charge points remains “achievable” despite slower-than-expected progress, according to reports. The ambitious plan aims to deploy 2,000 charging points by February 2028 and expand to 2,500 by 2030, though current installation numbers stand at just 375 as of September, sources indicate.

by Marcus Linfield
EconomyPolicy

EU Regional Development Funds Face Scrutiny as Budget Overhaul Sparks Debate

New economic research suggests the EU’s €392 billion cohesion policy generates minimal GDP returns, fueling controversy as Brussels proposes merging regional and agricultural funds. The planned budget overhaul would halve dedicated regional spending, drawing warnings from dependent regions about reversing decades of progress.

Economic Impact Under Scrutiny

The European Union’s flagship cohesion policy, designed to reduce regional inequalities, delivers limited economic returns according to new research emerging as Brussels prepares its most significant budget restructuring in over three decades. Analysis by Zareh Astryan, economics professor at Münster University, indicates that each euro spent through the €392 billion program generates only approximately €1 in additional GDP growth, the report states.

by Darren Holt