7  Signboards

7.1 General

7.1.1 RSLs must comply with the HCA's signboard requirements for all SHG,  RCGF & DPF funded schemes unless the HCA has given a specific exemption, see para 7.3.2 below.

7.1.2 In addition, it has been agreed with Communities and Local Government that major capital projects receiving significant Government funding must display signage acknowledging that contribution by displaying the wording:  ‘HM Government: Building for the Future’. 

7.1.3 For this purpose, a major capital project is a grant aided development, or phase of a development, of 30 dwellings or more. This includes New Build, Rehabilitation and Re-improvement schemes, and excludes Miscellaneous Works schemes.  It applies to any new development funded by SHG through the Agency or funded with money from the RSL’s Recycled Capital Grant Fund or Disposal Proceeds Fund, or any combination of these. For details see para  7.2.5 below.

7.2  Design

7.2.1   The design of the HCA's site signboard must be followed using official artwork.  For information, please email brand@hca.gsx.gov.uk. 

7.2.2  There are two sizes: the 2.438m by 1.219m (8 ft x 4 ft) is the preferred design; the smaller the 2.438m by 0.610m (8 ft x 2 ft) version may be used where space is limited. Deviation from these sizes must have prior written permission from the Regional Investment Team. In the first instance RSLs should contact their Investment Officer.

7.2.3  The Agency's corporate signature needs to be reproduced carefully. The wording on the signboard must read ‘with funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government’.
 
7.2.4  RSLs producing signboards by signwriting techniques must ensure that the design grids are accurately followed. There must be no artistic licence.  Copies of the grids are available from the Agency's website.
 
7.2.5  The CLG branding signage is required for Major Projects. For contact details click on the asterisk.  
   

7.2.6  Where the RSL considers that the provision of the additional branding signboard is inappropriate (for example, where SHG input is less than £1 million or where consents are refused) exemption should be sought in writing from the Regional Investment Team, which will not withhold consent unreasonably.
 
7.2.7  RSLs producing these signboards by signwriting or other recognised copying techniques must ensure that the design is accurately followed. No artistic licence is permitted.

 
7.3  Display 

7.3.1  A signboard must be displayed in a prominent position on each new build development and/or rehabilitation development comprising of four or more properties using Agency funding.  The display may also include a brief description of the scheme, for example ‘30 sheltered flats for older persons’.
 
7.3.2  Where the RSL considers that the provision of a site signboard is inappropriate (e.g. where it would be inappropriate to publicise the client group) or where a different sized board is required, exemption or waiver should be sought in writing from the Regional Investment Team, see 6.3 above.

7.4  Advertising Regulations and Consents 

7.4.1  RSLs are responsible for obtaining any necessary statutory approvals or consents i.e. Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations, 1992.
 
7.4.2  Compliance with the Agency's signboard requirements will be checked as part of the Agency's compliance audit.