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An amendment to the rules governing applications for support under the 250 MW programme has also been introduced. The aim of the amendment is to streamline the work of processing applications -- frequently delayed because of the ease with which small companies, GbRs, can be set up and dissolved in Germany. This has meant that an application can be submitted by one GbR, yet proceeded with by another. It has been the thankless task of the Jülich research institute to establish whether the new GbR is equivalent to the old one and whether the application, or even the decision to grant funds, still stands. The amendment requires that every GbR is officially entered on the German trade register, requiring that changes be approved by the register officials who will keep the Jülich institute informed. The amendment is likely to prompt a more serious approach to wind development and perhaps encourage a safer company structure. Financial liability is not limited in a GbR and if serious losses are incurred, a company partner could lose all his or her savings and possessions.