The CIF 2024-25 appeals process provides an opportunity for applicants who were unsuccessful in the first round of the fund to appeal the decision.
The appeals window for the CIF 2024-25 will open on Monday, 8 April 2024, and close at 12pm on Monday, 6 May 2024. During this period, applicants can submit an appeal if they believe there has been a material error in assessing their application.
Additionally, applicants who can show a significant disruption between 14 December 2023 and 6 May 2024 can also appeal. This is a new route to appeal and appears to have been introduced to address the increasing issue of disruption to education as a direct result of the poor condition of school properties.
Guidance for how to navigate the appeals process has been published on the CIF portal. This guidance provides an overview of the criteria and required documentation for both appeal routes. It is essential to refer to the guidance for detailed instructions and to ensure that appeals meet the necessary requirements.
Schools have the option to appeal on the grounds of material error or significant disruption, or both, depending on the circumstances.
The outcomes of the appeal round are expected to be announced in June 2024.
With the appeals window being so narrow, and the options to appeal being based on a strict set of criteria, it is paramount for schools to seek the right advice. Lea Hough’s School Building Consultants are working with a number of schools to advise on appealing CIF decisions and are therefore well-placed to advise other schools on the likelihood of success via the appeals route.
For more information on how to appeal a CIF bid, or to speak to us about your previous unsuccessful bid(s) and our free CIF audit service, please get in touch.
