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Fees and ancillary charges

Find out how DFG payments are made.

DFG payments will only be paid if:

  • the works are completed within 12 months of the date of the approval unless the delay was caused by us, or an appropriate approval time extension has been agreed due to exceptional circumstances. Applications for extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • the works are carried out following the specifications set out in the formal approval or as varied with the prior agreement from us
  • everyone (you and us) is happy with the work
  • we are given an invoice, demand, or receipt for payment 

Invoices must be addressed to you c/o the council and must contain sufficient detail for us to identify:

  • the works carried out
  • the price charges
  • any variations previously agreed with us

Any invoice must be from the appointed contractor.

Payments can be paid directly to the contractor by:

  • you and we will reimburse you
  • us if you asked us to on your DFG application

The DFG may be paid via:

  • one lump sum on satisfactory completion of the works
  • by staged payments as the work proceeds

Staged payments (interim payments) will only be made where we are satisfied that the value of work completed exceeds the value claimed to date. A maximum of three staged payments and a final payment will be considered.

The contract for works funded by DFGs and associated assistance will be between you and the contractor, as set out in the legislation. Whilst our Standing Orders regarding procurement do not directly apply, as we are not entering into a contract, when obtaining quotes on behalf of applicants the DFG Service will follow the same principles to ensure appropriate service is provided for applicants it is supporting.

The provision of assistance other than Mandatory DFG is subject to the availability of funding. All applications will be considered based on the identified needs and circumstances of the applicant or household.

Any associated costs which are incurred as part of the application for funding, such as Architects fees or Land Registry charges, will be included in the value of any funding awarded and will not be paid separately apart from exceptional circumstances where works cannot proceed, and such costs may be eligible for discretionary assistance.

The provision of mandatory grants and discretionary financial assistance will be subject to internal and external auditing to ensure adequate procedures are in place and followed and that there is an appropriate use of public funds.