Important information – changes to the application process 2022/23
This year we have made some changes to the application process. Please read the below guidance carefully to understand the changes.
Applying for Support
Before you apply for grant funding and/or technical support it is essential that you read our Neighbourhood Planning Grant & Technical Support Guidance Notes to help you through the process.
Eligibility criteria
Please note that the eligibility criteria is different than for previous programmes and it is essential that you check what support you are eligible to apply for.
How to apply for Grant Funding and/or Technical Support
Step one: Read the Guidance Notes
This will help you understand what you need to do to complete the process.
This year, it is even more important to read the guidance notes as we have made some changes to the way you access and save your application form. Please read the steps below carefully and note the changes from previous years.
View guidance notes for grant funding and/or technical support
Step two: Complete an Expression of Interest (EoI) form
Once you have completed and submitted your Expression of Interest (EoI) you will be automatically directed to the application form which you can begin completing immediately or save and resume at a later stage.
Unlike previous programme years, you will no longer receive an application form link to your email address overnight.
Step three: Complete your application form
After submitting your EoI, you will be automatically directed to the application form which you can begin completing immediately.
You are able to resume your application form at a later stage, however to do this you will need to save the form prior to closing it by providing an email address and password. Please use the same email address that you provided in your EoI and make a note of the details you save with.
Once saved, you will be sent a link to the log in page where you can access your saved application form by using the email address and password you provided when you saved.
Please note, the application form no longer automatically saves as you go. Every time you would like to leave the form to resume it later, you will need to save it again.
You will have 15 days to complete your application. After 15 days have passed, your form will expire and you will need to complete a new EoI.
If multiple people need to work on the application form they will be able to log in using your saved details. If this is the case, please ensure you choose a password that you are happy to share.
Once you submit your form, you will receive two emails. One with a PDF copy of your application and a second with your application reference details.
Prepare your application answers in advance
To help you prepare your application questions in advance, you can use a blank copy of the application form as a Word document and then copy and paste your answers into any future applications.
Please note this is not your actual application form and you cannot submit this. This is to help you prepare answers to your questions in advance of submitting your actual application form.
There are three benefits to preparing your answers in the blank Word document: it prevents loss of data if you cannot submit within the 15 days; if the grant assessor has any questions once you have submitted (if you are applying for grant support), you can refer back to this; and it makes subsequent applications easier.
Step four: Assessing your application
If you are applying for grant funding only we will assess your grant within 15 working days (or 20 working days if applying for the neighbourhood development order housing grant) of receiving all the information we need to assess the application.
If you are applying for technical support you will be contacted by phone or email to arrange a diagnostic session to assess your support needs. All applications for technical support are presented to DLUHC to make a decision.
Successful applications
If your application has been successful, you will receive an email to let you know. This will include information on next steps so that you can start receiving your support.