The Rural Development Contracts (Rural Priorities) (Scotland) Regulations 2008

Determination of applications for aid

8.—(1) The Scottish Ministers may approve (in whole or in part) or may reject an application for aid and in determining whether an application should be so approved or rejected, they must have regard to–

(a) the extent to which the application–

(i) meets regional priorities; and

(ii) is feasible and economically viable;

(b) the aid likely to be required and how that value compares with other applications; and

(c) the value for money which the application represents having regard to sub-paragraphs (a) and (b).

(2) Approval of an application for aid may be subject to such conditions as the Scottish Ministers think fit.

(3) The Scottish Ministers must notify the applicant in writing of their decision in respect of the application and notify the applicant whose application has been approved under this paragraph of any conditions relating to such approval which they have imposed under paragraph (2) above.

(4) The Scottish Ministers may vary an approval of an application as they think fit including any conditions subject to which it was given.

(5) Before varying an approval or conditions attached to an approval in accordance with paragraph (4), the Scottish Ministers must–

(a) give to the beneficiary written notification of the variation or amendment proposed;

(b) give the beneficiary an opportunity to make representations about the proposed variation within such time and in such form as the Scottish Ministers may require; and

(c) consider any such representations.

(6) Before approving an application, the Scottish Ministers may consult such persons as they consider appropriate.