1. How were applications assessed?
Applications were subject to a four stage assessment process comprising:
i. An initial sift to check eligibility;
ii. Scoring against assessment criteria, with weightings then applied to project scores to produce a ranked order of applications as a guide to quality;
iii. Consideration by the Independent Advisory Panel, with recommendations emerging that sought to take account of both quality and geographic spread;
iv. Consideration and final decision by Ministers.
2. How was eligibility determined?
Evidence was sought that the lead applicant was legally constituted, that the area of proposed work was within a designated town centre or local high street boundary, and that the work was capital in nature.
3. How were applications scored and weighted?
All eligible applications were scored between zero and five for the evidence they provided that the project contributed to the following criteria:
1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe; and
2. We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people
3. We live in well designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need
4. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect and enhance it for future generations
5. Project can be delivered, and within the accelerated timescale of the Fund
Within each criteria there were some key factors which assessors were looking for. Table 1 details these factors as well as the weightings applied to the score for each criteria.
Table 1: criteria and weightings
Criteria | Key considerations | Weigh- ting |
1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place for doing business in Europe; and We realise our full economic potential with more and better employment opportunities for our people | Leverage rates Creation of job opportunities Potential to attract future investment Additionality Support of local businesses | 25 |
2. We live in well designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need | Contribution to local plan delivery Provision of new services, amenities or improved access for local community | 20 |
3. We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect and enhance it for future generations | Physical improvements to the town centre | 9 |
4. Project can be delivered, and within the accelerated timescale of the Fund | Point at which funding can be claimed Need for/ possession of consents | 23 |
5. Strategic impact and long term sustainability | Range of local support Other necessary funding committed | 23 |
4. How did the Panel arrive at their recommendations?
The Panel began by considering in detail those bids which ranked within the top £40,000,000 allocations. They agreed to recommend that all should receive funding, although based on the individual circumstances of each bid partial funding was awarded in some cases. To improve geographic spread, the panel then considered bids from Local Authority areas who had not yet been recommended for an award; followed by those who had so far been recommended for only one award.
5. How did Ministers decide which projects to fund?
Ministers considered the recommendations of the Panel and decided the allocations to be made in the first tranche of the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. Ministers accepted in full the recommendations of the Panel and used remaining tranche one funds to extend benefit to under-represented regions.
6. Is further funding available?
Yes. There is a second tranche of TCRF and around £20m is available.
7. What is the deadline for the second round?
The deadline for this second round is now 28 August 2009
8. Can I reapply in the second round?
Yes, applicants who have been unsuccessful in the first round are able to reapply. We would of course expect that applications would only be re-submitted where feedback has been properly addressed and the application form is materially different. Applicants should ensure that they address the key criteria within the application form and do not rely on supplementary information to evidence their case.
9. Will bids be considered in the second tranche for towns/ areas that have been successful in securing funding in the first?
While we will not preclude applications from towns or local authority areas who have secured funding in the first round, we would stress the achievement of geographic spread will be of increased importance in round two and potential applicants should consider carefully before seeking further funding for an area which has already been successful in securing funding in the first tranche. Details of first round allocations are available on the website.
10. Is there an appeals process?
There is no appeals process for round one of the TCRF, since a second round of funding is available.
11. What support is available for unsuccessful applicants who wish to consider re-application?
Given the existence of a second round, we must avoid offering assistance to potential re-applicants as this may confer an unfair advantage. We have included in correspondence feedback to all unsuccessful applicants on the weak points of their application. In doing so, we have sought to be both as thorough and as open as we can. It is not likely that additional feedback could be offered.