Launch of NEL ICBs 2025/26 IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAMME
On behalf of the London Improvement Grant Fund team – any queries should go to england.londonigfund@nhs.net
Please find attached a letter with details of the London Improvement Grant Fund application process for schemes to be delivered in the 2025/26 financial year.
- Applying for funding: All applications must be submitted using the following online form. https://forms.office.com/e/pAWpCJYiJ5 no later than 6pm on 13 June 2025.
- Link will close on 13 June: The online form will not be accessible after this date. Therefore, practices are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible and not leave it to the last day to prevent any technical issues occurring that prevents you from submitting your application. Late applications will not be received and will therefore not be accepted. We will not reopen the portal after the deadline.
- Online Form: An example of the information required within the online application is attached for informative purposes only. Applications via the online submission will be the only format accepted. Applications sent in any other format will automatically be rejected.
The online form has been created to make it easier for practices to identify and select items that are eligible under the Premises Costs Directions. Practices can download a completed copy of their application once the form has been submitted, for their records. Please note that you will not be able to save a draft of the online form – you will need to complete and submit your application in one transaction.
- New Premises Cost Directions 2024: items that can be funded via an Improvement Grant have changed. Items relating to compliance with minimum standards are no longer eligible for funding i.e. replacement sinks/flooring or fire doors (unless there is a recently announced regulatory change). It is therefore important that practices familiarise themselves with the revised list of eligible and non-eligible items before applying.
- Grant Agreements with Legal Charge/Restriction on Title for freehold premises. The Primary Care Capital Grants Policy applies to all freehold premises. It is important that practices in freehold premises familiarise themselves with these legal requirements before applying.
- Additional supporting information: Following submission, ICBs may request drawings/sketches/plans for larger scale works to enable them to make an informed decision on whether to support the scheme so it would be advisable to ensure these are available for your ICB by 13 June.
- ICB Support: All submissions will be shared with the ICB who will confirm to the London Improvement Grant team the list of applications supported in principle. Practices will then be informed by the London Improvement Grant team if their application has been supported in principle and confirm next steps.
- Conditions of funding: full details are noted within the launch letter however practices should be aware that applications are on condition that
- Schemes must have a minimum value of £7500 inclusive of VAT to meet capital funding requirements
- Funding is not for works that have already started or completed
- Funding will be for 100% of the total eligible scheme value
- Leasehold premises have a valid lease/agreement in place (a copy will need to be shared)
- Landlord consent will be provided for all leasehold premises
- Freehold premises will be required to sign a Restriction on Title for schemes under £144,000 or Grant Agreement with Legal Charge for those above £144,000
Documents attached:
(1) London IG – Launch of 2025-26 Fund Letter NEL ICB May 2025;
(2) LIG 2025-26 – EOI Form – Sample of online content only;
(3) IG EOI MS Forms Users Guide2025;
(4) London IG – Examples of Eligible and Non-Eligible Items for Funding_2025-26
NHS England (London IG Team)