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It was previously a requirement for eligibility for the above scheme that applicants would have to show evidence that some of the set-up costs of the scheme were outstanding for payment at the time of making the application. This had resulted in many solicitors for applicants being asked for a letter saying that their legal fees were still outstanding at the date of application.

Having considered representations by the Conveyancing Committee, the minister for agriculture and food indicated in a recent letter that she agrees that the conditions of the current scheme may be excessive, in that they require some or all of the set-up costs to be outstanding at the time of applications. The minister has therefore agreed to amend the terms of the scheme so that applicants will be required merely to provide proof that set-up costs have been incurred and to produce evidence of such costs by way of an original or certified copy of an appropriate invoice or receipt. The minister has indicated that this amendment will be included in the scheme as soon as possible, but administrative arrangements will be made to have the amendment applied to pending applications.