Section seven - payments and fees

7.1- Payments are made directly to the contractor, not via their agent.

7.2 - If the client has an assessed client contribution, then on production of the contractor invoice it is expected that the contribution will be paid prior to payment from the DFG. If the client wishes to carry out additional private work, they will need to make their own payment arrangements with the agent/contractor. Written confirmation and contractor invoice must be sent to the district council.

7.3 - Where the value of a single contract exceeds £10,000 ‘agents will arrange for a contractor to return to sort out any queries/snagging items within the 12-month warranty period.

7.4 - In the event the works are abandoned for reasons within the client’s control, then the costs for any work carried out by agent will be payable by the client and must be settled as soon as possible.

7.5 - Agents should note that under most circumstances the council will not fund professional fees which are in excess of a fixed percentage of the final grant eligible contract sum.

7.6 - Any increase would need to be an individual agreement with the district council concerned.

7.7 - The maximum percentage is currently fixed at 15% plus VAT, subject to the maximum grant limit. But agents should note that this is usually the maximum sum payable, and each scheme will be judged on its complexity. Maximum fees can only be paid where the agent completes all works to the grant officer’s, client, and occupation therapist satisfaction.

7.8 - Agents fees will be capped at £7,500.00 plus VAT and this will be applied to larger cases (such as ground floor extensions).  This limit may be raised at the district council’s discretion where significant extra work from the agent is identified and agreed in advance.

Professional fees can usually only be considered for grant purposes where an application proceeds to full approval, however, please reference the section titled abortive fees within the guidance for instances where assistance can be provided at the discretion of the district council. 

7.9 - In the event the works are abandoned for reasons not within their control, for example, where an agent/contractor is providing a service through DFG and:

• A client passes away;
• Deterioration of function/health requiring a house move;
• Death of a relative/carer resulting in moving home etc.

then abortive fees will be considered by the district council on a case-by-case basis. Agents/contractors are encouraged to liaise directly district council to discuss the abortive fees being awarded in these particular instances. 

7.10 - The rates that will be considered for cases that meet the criteria for abortive fees is listed in the table below:

7.11 - Fees shall be calculated using the latest estimate/tender cost provided.

7.12 - Feasibility fees can be increased, at the district council’s discretion, where the work involved in that visit/study is more complex - i.e. planning and ancillary charges may be considered on a case by case basis.

Cases for abortive fees consideration needs to be discussed directly with the district council. The determination will be made through the circumstances of each case and the discretion to award remains with district council.