Completion is deemed to have occurred when the works are contractually certified as complete or in the case of MTC, when the relevant work order is certified as complete.
At the outset associations must have fully identified the works cost requirement and therefore the scheme approval is based on ‘firm’ determined costs not estimated costs. There is no cost overrun facility to adjust works costs upwards for ESPs. However if, due to unforeseeable events, the actual costs are in excess of the ESP ceiling then a re-approval of the scheme will be necessary. Associations should seek advice from NIHE (DPG) in this instance
For further guidance see Scheme Types.
Where actual works costs are less than the approved costs the grant payable to the Association will be recalculated on the GP2 form and the revised amount of grant outstanding will be paid by NIHE (DPG).
Given the nature of the purchase, associations may opt to claim the acquisition and completion as one tranche claim. This is permissible provided the required scheme pre-qualifications have been reached, the acquisition date is in the past and all the required documentation is available and all relevant certifications can be met.
Associations must follow the instructions for claiming payment set out in Table 9 ESP Completion Stage Non-Tariff Schemes Band 1.
For further guidance see Grant Timetable.
Recoverable costs post completion
- Where, following a final grant claim, the Association is able to recover costs as the result of a claim by or against a third party, that proportion of the costs represented by the grant rate for the scheme must be forwarded to NIHE (DPG).