Funding restrictions on LEADER grant12

1

LEADER grant may only provide support for projects which do not receive support from other structural funds payments or other delivery mechanisms under the Scotland rural development programme. But–

a

projects involving the production, processing and marketing of products listed in Annex I to the Treaty establishing the European Community12 not funded through any other scheme within the Scotland rural development programme are eligible; and

b

funding of community projects relating to forestry or other forms of land management will be eligible provided they demonstrate wider community benefits and are not a direct replacement for grants available through any other scheme.

2

A project which has failed to achieve support under any other scheme under the Scotland rural development programme will not be eligible for LEADER grant.

3

The following specific claims will not be eligible for LEADER grant–

a

claims for local action group grant for less than £1,000;

b

internal staffing costs of any organisation;

c

operating and running costs including, rent, utilities, equipment, leasing charges or interest on loans;

d

activities which are statutory obligations of regional corporate bodies, including, local authorities and their agencies;

e

awards of prize money or fees to artists;

f

land and buildings which are to be used in a project involving cooperation not located in Scotland; and

g

unidentifiable costs of projects involving cooperation taking place outside Scotland.

4

Professional fees for architectural, landscape design and engineering services may be funded to a maximum of 10% of the total building cost. But an additional 5% funding of the central building cost may be available by LEADER grant for projects which in the view of a local action group involve an intensive planning element, including work on listed or otherwise protected buildings or technically complex projects.

5

A maximum payment of 95% of project costs may be made from public funds including LEADER grant unless the applicant is a public body.