Written Question · S1W-24529 · Session 1
What guidance is given to recipients of grants under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance scheme on the maximum time between the…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to recipients of grants under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance scheme on the maximum time between the receipt of a valid application for a grant and the issue of grant and whether the interest charges accrued during this time can be claimed by recipients of grants in circumstances where payment is late.
The answer
Claimants are advised that an initial claim check will be undertaken within 30 working days of receipt by the department. No deadline is set for payments, which inevitably depend on auditing claim forms and supporting documentation and, in most cases, a physical inspection of the project involved. The need to arrange the inspection programme cost-effectively means that there can be some delay in inspection visits, particularly in remote areas. The Executive, therefore, pays 75% of an eligible claim as soon as it is satisfied with the claim and supporting documentation. The balance of the claim is paid within 10 working days of receipt of a satisfactory inspection report. The relevant EC Regulations preclude reimbursement for any financial charges accrued pending payment.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-24529 by reference.