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New Grant Claim Requirement: A Fresh Look at Payment Event Eligibility

In a significant update to the grant claim process, Homes England has introduced new eligibility criteria for payment events related to affordable housing schemes.

What’s Changed?

Effective immediately, the following conditions must be met for a payment event to be triggered:

• The provider and building contractor have entered into a valid building contract.
• The building contractor takes possession of the site or property.
• The works have commenced.

These changes aim to ensure that only eligible schemes delivered by qualified providers are eligible for payment events, thereby maintaining the integrity of the grant funding process.

Rents in Compliance: A New Focus

In addition to the eligibility criteria, Homes England has also introduced new requirements for rent calculations and compliance audits. Providers must now ensure that the rent figures entered into the system accurately reflect the rents being charged.

The regulator emphasizes that this is a payment event-specific requirement, and providers are expected to demonstrate transparency in their rent conversion calculations should any discrepancies arise during compliance audits.

What’s Next?

For further guidance on these changes or to discuss any questions you may have, please email ComplianceAudit@HomesEngland.gov.uk. Stay informed about the latest developments in the grant claim process by following our updates and resources.

Key Takeaways

• New eligibility criteria for payment events require provider and building contractor to enter into a valid building contract, take possession of the site or property, and commence works.
• Rent calculations must accurately reflect the rents being charged, with providers expected to demonstrate transparency in their conversion calculations during compliance audits.

By implementing these changes, Homes England aims to maintain the highest standards of accountability and integrity in the grant funding process, ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently and effectively.