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Is there any flexibility around timing of submitting the claim forms – e.g. if there is a delay for some reason would that render the claim void?
Payment schedules are detailed the Finance Guidance and in the T&Cs. For main projects, as the Advance claims are simply 25% of your total grant award for that year, we you should submit your claim within the quarter it is for. Q4 end of year Actual claims are due by 31st May, and claims submitted more than 3 months after the financial year end (i.e. after 30th June) may not be paid.
Defra expects you to demonstrate good financial management by submitting timely claims. You are expected to submit claims to the deadlines in the guidance. Defra requires accurate financial information to report on fund management and this is only possible if claims are submitted on time.
If you believe your project is likely to underspend, please do not submit a claim that would take you over what you expect to spend. Please get in touch to discuss what is happening with your project.