A1.1 Deciding on the right amount of effort to devote to an appraisal or an evaluation is largely a matter for case by case judgement. The decision should be based on for example, the experience gained over time through undertaking other appraisals and evaluations of similar scale and type. It is recognised that those undertaking appraisals and evaluations may sometimes find it difficult to judge what the appropriate effort should be, particularly where small expenditures are concerned. This Appendix seeks to give some practical assistance on the subject. Although it is couched largely in terms of appraisal, the principles generally apply also to evaluation.
A1.2 This guidance refers broadly to proposals involving public expenditures of less than £250,000 in total. Where financial assistance is in view, it may be taken to refer to total financial assistance (including, for example, all sources of PE, EU funding) of up to £250k over the whole life of the project. However, the £250,000 figure is indicative, and the need for judgement is required whatever the expenditure level.