Section four - progressing the works

4.1 - All agents/contractors must adhere to CDM 2015 regulations which covers all ACMs and health and safety on construction projects.

4.2 - Agents should not give their clients the impression that they will be awarded a maximum grant nor build an expectation that the grant will be approved, prior to receiving the formal written approval document. They must stress also that grant funding is only available for eligible work, subject to agreement by all parties.

4.3 - Clients must be appraised of plans, specifications and builders’ quotations and be provided copies of each for their records. On completion of the works, agents/contractors must provide clients with originals of all guarantees, certificates, warranties etc.

4.4 - To enhance and support efficiencies of DFG service delivery digital copies of warranties are acceptable.

4.5 - Works must be inspected at the key building stages and there should be regular site visits as required by the complexity of the work (minimum of a visit every two weeks for complex adaptations). Under no circumstances should an agent take leave of absence, without making arrangements for a suitably qualified person to meet this requirement.

4.6 - Where delivery of DFG can be enhanced to help increase efficiencies for the delivery of the DFG service – it is permissible to use modern technology, for example, video conferencing to enable these site visits to be completed in a time sensitive way.

4.7 - Agents must not allocate or sub-contract work to other agents without the written permission of the client and the council.

4.8 - Agents should note that the main contractor is not permitted to sub-contract the scheme of works to another contractor without prior notice and agreement by the client and the district council in writing.

4.9 - All visits should be fully and legibly recorded in accordance with good practice and the file or log should be available for inspection by the client or the district council on request.

4.10 - Agents must have no external business interests which may be detrimental to work undertaken on behalf of their client.

4.11 - Gifts or inducements of any description must not be offered to council staff.

4.12 - Contractors invited to tender for grant aided work must be competent, familiar with good building practice, relevant British Standards, Building Regulations and be fully insured.

4.13 - The contractor that carries out the grant aided work must not be the applicant for the grant or a member of their family. For further clarification on this matter contact the grant officer.

4.14 - In the event of the contractor who has been awarded the work being unable to proceed, the agent must consult with their client and the grant officer.