Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS): claims and amendments

 

In Scotland, the Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) closed to new applications in 2003, however, grants continue to be paid provided that the work is carried out in accordance with an existing WGS contract.  Woodland Grant Scheme contracts can also still be amended if required.

Changes to the way we make payments

From 16 October 2007, the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) will make all grant payments that have been co-financed by the EC.  The Forestry Commission will continue to make all other SFGS payments.  These will only be made to a nominated bank account directly through the BACS system.  You may get two remittance advices for one claim if part of the payment is made by each organisation.

From 16 October 2008, your land that is covered by an SFGS contract must be registered under the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) before you can claim any grant payment.  When you register you will be given a Business Reference Number (BRN).  You will need to complete SGRPID’s Land and Business Registration form.  The form is currently undergoing some revision and should be available by the end of this year.

The following Question and Answer document may help to answer some of your immediate questions.

• Woodland Grant Scheme payment changes (PDF 22k)

You can find out all the details about registering your land in the IACS explanatory booklet (PDF 501k).

If you need more information, please contact your local agriculture office.  You can find their address details at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/AOcontacts/contacts.

Making a claim

The applicant or authorised agent can make a claim for grant payments when the work is satisfactorily carried out in accordance with the contract.  The work may be inspected before payment is made.

• Complete form WGS-FWPS 3 – Claim Form (PDF 92k) to claim grant
• Enclose a map showing the boundary of the area of the claim
• For Farm Woodland Premium Scheme payments (FWPS), claim the first five years payments by completing the FWPS section of the WGS-FWPS 3
• Ensure the claimant detailed in the contract signs the grant claim
• The Scottish Government's Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate. (SGRPID) will send forms for subsequent FWPS instalments
• Send the form and map to the local Conservancy office
• Forestry Commission Scotland will send an Invitation to Claim for grants paid annually
• Remember to claim grant within the financial year agreed
• The work may be inspected and if satisfactory, the claim will be authorised
• The applicant is wholly responsible for ensuring that the claim is accurate.

Making an amendment

The applicant or authorised agent can make an amendment to Woodland Grant Scheme contracts:

• Complete form WGS-FWPS 4 – Amendment Form (PDF 71k) to give details of the changes required
• SGRPID’s approval will be required for any changes to work or land entered into the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme
• Applicants may be required to sign an amended WGS contract and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme Declarations and Undertaking
• Do not start any work until the amendment is approved.

Change of ownership

Liability for grant repayment can be transferred to a new owner.  If you intend to, or have sold or transferred your property with an existing grant scheme, it is vital that you, the owner, or your solicitor, inform the local Forestry Commission Scotland Conservancy office as soon as possible.  This gives us time to get in touch with you and the new owner to give advice about the grant scheme contract.

Relevant documents

WGS-FWPS 3 – Claim Form (PDF 92k)
WGS-FWPS 4 – Amendment Form (PDF 71k)
FWPS 8 – Successor’s Form (PDF 73k)
WGS 9  - Agreement to Transfer Obligations Form (PDF 59k)