The Regeneration Support Team (European Liaison)
Cumbria's focus for information about European Funding available in the area and how to access it:
- if you are interested in how Europe has helped Cumbria in the past and how the funds are being used to help bring economic regeneration to the county
- if you would like to find out how to apply for funding for a project, or need help in putting an application together;
- if you want to know anything at all about what is happening on the European "scene" in Cumbria
European Structural Funds in the North West (Cumbria)
The European Structural Funds are designed to assist areas of the European Union that compare unfavourably with the Union's average levels of prosperity.
Their purpose is to create a united Europe which is competitive and balances economic efficiency with social justice - the famous "level playing field".
There are four structural funds:
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the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
- 2 strands - Capital ("bricks and mortar") and Revenue (overheads / salaries / running costs etc) [Responsible Government department: ODPM]
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the European Social Fund (ESF)
- Also a revenue fund - more "people" based, providing support for training, wage subsidy, etc [Responsible Government Department: DES/DWP]
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the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF)
- Capital and revenue funds to support agricultural businesses and diversification. [Responsible Government Department: DEFRA]
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and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG).
- Capital and revenue funds to support marine businesses and diversification. [Responsible Government Department: DEFRA]
The Structural Funds are available to the North West through the European Commission's three priority Objectives:
- Objective 1 (Merseyside) - helps to redevelop regions seriously lagging behind the EU average
- Objective 2 (North West Region outside Merseyside) - helps to support economic regeneration in regions seriously affected by industrial decline
- Objective 3 (all of UK except Objective 1 areas) - helps to support Human Resource Development
Where Does This Apply?
In addition to the special arrangements for Merseyside under Objective 1, the European Commission has agreed that parts of the North West, including parts of Cumbria, can benefit from Objective 2 status from 2000-2006. Some areas which were in previous Objective 2 areas continue to receive "transitional support" until 2004. Objective 3 does not have geographical boundaries and is therefore available to all of Cumbria under the North West programme. The new Objective 3 programme was launched in June 2000, and the Objective 2 Programme in March 2001.
Eligibility - Who Can Apply?
In general, the Funds are for structural purposes, and used for projects that will create an environment and workforce which will promote the creation of jobs. All applications must relate to an eligible activity under the Fund involved and come within the priorities set out in the individual Single Programming Documents (SPD). The Structural Funds are usually aimed at projects promoted by the public sector. Those involved include Local Authorities, other public bodies, voluntary sector organisations, Learning and Skills Councils Small Business Service, Enterprise/Development Agencies, Colleges of Further Education, Higher Education establishments and national training organisations. As Objective 3 aims to promote social equality, applicants often tend to be voluntary or community groups.
How to Apply
Any eligible organisation or group is entitled to apply through the formal application procedure. This is a complex and usually formidably bureaucratic process, but in Cumbria the Regeneration Support Team (European Liaison) is established to help applicants through the minefield of documentation and form filling required. From the beginning of 2000 the whole process of European Funding has changed - the areas are different, the Programmes have been redefined. For information on whether your project is suitable for Structural Fund support, how to develop your ideas, what partnerships to become involved in, what documentation you will need, where to get the forms, and all the other details you need to develop a viable and successful project, please get in touch with the RST