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Information on the Lambeth High-Speed Connect scheme.

Terms and conditions

If you are offered support under the Lambeth High-Speed Connect scheme, the following terms and conditions will apply.

Please read them carefully as agreement with all terms and conditions will be needed.

If you require additional assistance, please feel free to get in contact at highspeed@lambeth.gov.uk

1. About my connection:

1a. The following conditions must apply for either Next Generation Access (NGA) or business grade connections:

  • For NGA connections, these must offer a minimum of 30Mbps. The technology used to deliver all connections must be capable of being configured to support at least a 1Gbps service.
  • In the context of business grade connections, these must exhibit the following characteristics:
    • Offer a minimum of 30Mbps service and are capable of being configured/upgraded to support at least 1Gbps services; and
    • Business grade connections are those that are provided on a dedicated basis to customers and are supported with service level guarantees. We recognise that these services can be provided in the form of leased lines or point-to-point microwave links, but we do not specify a particular type of service.

1b. The current connection you are receiving cannot exceed 30Mbps.

1c. The contract for service that you sign with your chosen network provider must be for a minimum of six months.

1d. If your business operates from multiple eligible locations you may use the Lambeth High-Speed Connect scheme to support the cost of more than one connection up to the scheme’s maximum value (£2,000 excluding VAT). Only one funding award can be given per business. This should be your registered office and/or trading address(es). Multiple applications from the same business will be ineligible.

1e. You will choose your network provider from the list of registered providers available on our website.

1f. You must enter a contract with your network provider within 28 days of approval by Lambeth Council. After 28 days we reserve the right to withdraw the offer and reallocate the funding.

1g. Funding cannot be claimed for connections that were made prior to the schemes launch on 13 September 2021.

1h. All applications must be received and approval secured before 31 January 2023. No approvals will be issued after this date.

1i. Lambeth Council reserves the right to close the scheme prior to 31 January 2023. The decision to do this will be based on the availability of funding. Lambeth Council will not overcommit on the available funding. All prior approvals will be honoured if terms and conditions are duly followed.

2. Securing payment

2a. On completion of the connection works, payment for the connection charge (but not the VAT) will be made directly to your supplier.

2b. The funding available cannot be used to pay VAT. You will need to pay your supplier directly for any VAT incurred and charged.

2c. The funding available from Lambeth Council will have a maximum value which you will be told at the time you apply. If the connection cost (excluding VAT) falls below £100 you will not be eligible for any payment.

2d. If the connection costs more than the initially agreed amount as notified by Lambeth Council, you will be responsible for paying the difference to the supplier. Lambeth Council is not liable for any payment more than the maximum available amount of £2,000 (excluding VAT).

2e. You are responsible for paying the ongoing monthly charge to your supplier – that cannot be claimed under the Lambeth High-Speed Connect scheme.

2f. You must not enter a formal contract, make a commitment or assume expenditure prior to receiving a formal offer of support from Lambeth Council. Anything in this respect prior to the date of your offer can’t be claimed back.

2g. Lambeth Council cannot pay for any cancellation charges incurred either for early termination of an existing contract or for cancellation charges associated with a supplier quote that you choose not to accept.

2h. All claims must be made by 31 January 2023. We cannot pay claims submitted after this date. You should satisfy yourself that the supplier you choose can provide you with an invoice for work completed before this date.

3. About my application

3a. You are responsible for providing all the information reasonably requested by Lambeth Council, including any additional information that may be necessary for the purposes of processing your application or agreeing on the award amount.

3b. You are responsible for checking that you meet the eligibility requirements for the scheme. You will be asked on the application form to self-certify that you meet the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) criteria.

3c. If required to do so you must provide evidence of your status as an organisation. Documentation we will accept include: VAT registration; Charity Registration: HMRC notification; sole trader UTR number; certification of incorporation (Limited Companies); business bank account statement issued within the last three months; non-domestic rates reference. Other documentation, such as business-related utility bills, may be acceptable in special conditions if combined with other documentation.

3d. Information submitted in application forms to Lambeth Council will be shared with other associated organisations and registered suppliers, for the purposes of processing the application. You will have the right to request to see this information under data protection laws.

3e. You must be willing to help us with promotion of this scheme, including providing information for a case study and taking part in any evaluation surveys.

3f. Where required, you must be willing to take part in any reasonable audits.

4. General conditions

4a. Lambeth Council is not liable in any way for lost or damaged applications, user errors or unauthorised use of the web page and application materials.

4b. Lambeth Council is not liable in any way for incomplete, false or misleading information given by applicants or suppliers. Where incomplete, false or misleading information is given, Lambeth Council reserves the right to either decline the application or reclaim the funding offer in full.

4c. Lambeth Council reserves the right to discontinue or otherwise vary the terms of the scheme in any way without further notice.

4d. Lambeth Council reserves the right to end the scheme when funds run out, or otherwise end the scheme before 31 January 2023, or end the scheme when advised to do so by elected members or the Chief Executive of Lambeth Council.

4e. Lambeth Council does not endorse any supplier or product and you should undertake all normal checks to satisfy yourself of the standing of the supplier and suitability of the product before placing an order directly with the supplier of your choice.

4f. Lambeth Council accepts no liability for any connection work undertaken. It is the responsibility of the supplier selected to ensure that the connection is installed correctly and without loss or damage. You should assure yourself that the connection has been correctly installed before making your claim.

4g. The Lambeth High-Speed Connect scheme is delivered in good faith and only intends to provide additional funding to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to pay for the connection cost for high-speed connectivity, which is identified as being a barrier and prohibitive amount for some SME businesses.