It is recognised that in exceptional circumstances time criticality may prevent an application being submitted within the usual application cycles. A fast-track procedure has been established which will allow an application to be processed and a decision to be made within 30 working days.
An application will only be considered under the fast-track procedure in exceptional circumstances where it can be proven that the project is time critical and has to be appraised and processed outwith the normal cycle. If an applicant believes that an application has to be considered in this way, please contact the PME as soon as possible.
Application Form
An application form is still required. This should be fully completed and be sent to the PME with a covering letter providing justification for fast-tracking and outlining the exceptional circumstances. The application will have to first pass the Receivability Checklist prior to proceeding further.
Trigger Group
The application will be reviewed, along with the justification, by a “Trigger Group”. This Group will decide whether a project application meets the criteria for fast-tracking. The Trigger Group will comprise the Management Committee Convenor and two delegated members of the Management Committee (plus the Advisory Group Convenor as appropriate) along with the Chief Executive. The Management Committee delegates will be chosen by the Management Committee Convenor and will be determined by the nature of project under review.
If the Trigger Group agrees that an application meets the criteria for fast-tracking, the application will be submitted to the Advisory Group for appraisal.
Criteria for Fast-tracking
Applications should only be submitted for fast-tracking in exceptional circumstances where it can be proven that the project is time critical and has to be appraised and processed outwith the normal cycle. The following criteria must be met:
Match Funding: If match funding was not in place by the previous submission deadline, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that this was for reasons outwith their control.
Additionality: There must be exceptional justification of additionality of grant.
Strategic Nature of Project: The project must be strategic on a Programme level and not just an area level.
Scheme: The project does not fit under a current scheme.
Please note that inability to gain statutory approvals, including full planning permission by the submission deadline is not acceptable justification for fast-tracking.
Advisory Group members will consider the project information and request any additional information they feel necessary and then make a recommendation to the PManC. The PManC members will provide their views (if by written procedure) to the Programme Management Executive and, thereafter, a summary of these views will be considered by the Scottish Executive and its Ministers. Applicant will then be notified of the decision.
The fast-tracking procedure will take no more than 30 working days from date of submission of the application form to decision.
- Last Modified 01/02/2005 12:50:49
© Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme 2005
Powered by Navernet