DEFRA has confirmed arrangements for those who are struggling to get their items delivered within the 150 day Countryside Productivity Small Grants Scheme deadline. For claimants experiencing these problems, it is possible to purchase the equipment, submit the claim within the 150 day deadline, but take delivery of the equipment after the 150 days and then receive payment when the item has been delivered.
In the main, the problems appear to be with those that are purchasing livestock handling equipment and we understand some have withdrawn their application because of delivery problems. DEFRA has said it will be contacting those affected to give them the option to either reinstate their application now or defer it to the next round which it says is due to open in the Autumn.
The first round of the scheme, proved popular, with more than 3,500 grants being awarded, totaling £23.5 million in funds. Originally, a budget of £15m had been allocated, but DEFRA was so pleased with the response that extra funds were found. The scheme, which has a simple application process, offers grants to purchase equipment from a set list of items that have been identified to help increase farm productivity. We will post details of the second round once we receive the information.
