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Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions for the CLTF scheme. Any questions which have not been answered here can be found in the CLTF Policy document. The closing date for the scheme was the 21st July 2023. 

1. Can I apply if my project doesn't fit into one of the two funding pathways?

No. A project must meet the criteria of one of the two pathways in order to be eligible for CLTF funding. 

2. How will the grant amount for a particular applicant be determined?

The applicant will request a grant amount in the application form that is based on the estimated total cost of their proposed project. Copies of quotes/estimates must be provided to evidence those costs.

3. What is the definition of a 'tourism business'?

Businesses applying under the CLTF Sustainable Tourism Pathway must be tourism businesses. For the purposes of the CLTF scheme, the following types of businesses are regarded to be trading within the tourism sector:

  • Hotels, bed & breakfasts and holiday parks/resorts
  • Tourist attractions and amusements
  • Bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs
  • Transportation operators and tour operators

4. What is included in the list of eligible equipment

Applicants can only apply for CLTF funding to purchase, install and utilise a specific type of equipment to help decarbonise their operation. Eligible types of equipment include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Solar panels
  • Small wind turbines
  • Air source heat pumps
  • EV charging points
  • LED lighting, replacing halogen lighting systems
  • Double glazed windows, replacing single-paned windows
  • Loft or wall insulation

Eligible types of equipment under the Sustainable Tourism pathway include all of those listed above and the following types of equipment where a business is seeking to improve the accessibility of their business:

  • Hearing loops
  • Stair lifts
  • Ramps
  • Handrails
  • Improved accessibility signage

This guide provides a detailed list of fundable items to improve accessibility

5. Do the applicants need to own the building on which the improvements are to be made?

An organisation can only receive CLTF funding if they own or lease the premises the CLTF funded equipment will be installed and utilised.

For the Sustainable Tourism pathway, where the property is leased, the lease must not expire for at least another 2 years. For the Rural Culture and Leisure pathway, the lease must not expire for at least another 10 years.

For either pathway, the applicant must have written permission from the owner of the leased premises to install and utilise the equipment to the applicant’s benefit. CLTF funded equipment cannot be installed on residential properties or any other property not relating to the operations of the applicant.

6. Do applicants need to pay back the grant?

No. Only in cases where a grant was paid in error, or where the terms and conditions outlined in the Funding Agreement have not been met, will the Council reclaim the funds.

7. What is a Funding Agreement?

Before any funds can be awarded, applicants must sign a Funding agreement to ensure the organisation / business agrees to use the CLTF grant payment to deliver the specific project milestones, sub-tasks and outcomes detailed in their application. The Funding Agreement will be provided to the applicant by email. If the application contains a match funding commitment, the applicant will also need to supply a separate legal agreement committing them or their funding provider to this spend

8. Can my grant request or match-funding include VAT?

No. Section 7.5.1 of the UKSPF Prospectus states that VAT is not an eligible cost for any project funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, including the CLTF scheme. Any VAT paid by the applicant must be in addition to the (mandatory) match-funding provided.