Regeneration Support Team: News Updates

CUMBRIAS RESPONSE TO THE NATIONAL REVIEW OF ASSISTED AREAS
Assisted Ares define those places in the country where it is possible to offer higher levels of public support to companies looking to invest. A Europe-wide review of the areas to be designated from 2007-13 has resulted in a reduction in the total UK coverage from 32% of the population to 24%.  The DTI issued a consultation in February 2006 to determine what criteria should be used to define the new Assisted Area map.  The results of that consultation were published as a draft map in July 2006, and stakeholders have been given four weeks to make comments and representation ion the new map. 

Overall, Cumbria has suffered a smaller reduction that the UK average – the proportion of Cumbria having Assisted Area designation would drop from 45% to 38% under the DTI’s proposals.  Whilst welcoming the retention of status across Copeland and the Furness peninsula, partners in Cumbria are particularly concerned about the loss of Assisted Area status for wards to the north of Workington.  A joint response from Cumbria partners, developed by the County and District Councils, Enterprise Agencies and Regeneration Companies, has concentrated on making the case for additional inclusion of four wards in Allerdale; Seaton, Flimby, Ewanrigg and Netherhall.  The response, which generally welcomed the government’s proposals for most of Cumbria, has also made the case for increasing levels of start-up aid for SMEs.  A full copy of the response is available from Ian Hill at RST.

NEW CROSS CUTTING THEMES BEST PRACTICE WEBSITE LAUNCHED
This site aims to share the best practice gained within the North West of England over the life of the Objective 2 programme so far, to guide and shape any current or forthcoming projects and to ensure that future programmes (regardless of funding streams) have the benefit of these experiences.

CUMBRIAN RESPONSE TO NSRF CONSULTATION
From March to May this year, the government has been undertaking a consultation on the National Strategic Reference Framework, which will form the overall strategy for the next generation of structural funds in the UK.  Cumbrian partners produced a joint response to this consultation, which makes the case for continued structural funds for the county.  A full copy of the consultation is available here.

CYBERMOOR WINS AT SUCCESS NORTH WEST
Cumbrian project wins at north west award ceremony.

EU UPDATE DECEMBER 05
Brussels Summit special edition!

TOWER CALL FOR PROJECTS - 01/11/05
The Tower project, financed by the EU’s Interreg programme, has issues a call for proposals on the theme of sustainable economic development.  Details are available from the website: http://www.towerprogramme.com or from Ian Hill at RST

EU UPDATE OCTOBER 05
Key features for this month include:

• Sixth Framework
• Intelligent Energy
• Culture
• Tourism & Regeneration conference
• Leonardo Project: Study visit to EU regions

TOWER PAYS 525,000 EUROS TO THREE NEW SUB-PROJECTS - 05/10/05
On Tuesday 4 th of October the European programme TOWER approved three new sub-projects within TOWER INTERREG IIIC Operation. This funding will support projects to encourage business development, develop services to innovative SME’s, and also to promote best practice in the development of regional growth strategies.

EU UPDATE JUNE 05
Key features for this month include:

• EU Budget
• CAP
• Inter-Regional Cooperation
• State Aids

EU UPDATE MAY 05
E U Constitution
Wounded but not fallen – the aftermath of the French non
Several metres of commentary have already been produced analysing the outcome of the no vote in the French referendum on the constitutional treaty on Sunday. Without wishing to add to the debate, the RST has two interesting documents available by e-mail on request:

NEW SME DEFINITION - 12/05/05
The European Commission has adopted a new definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with effect from 1 January 2005. The changes were announced back at the end of 2003, but are only just now coming on stream.

EU UPDATE FEBRUARY 05
Key features for this month include:

• CAP reform
• Structural funds
• EU Constitution
• Sixth Framework FP6
• Leonardo Da Vinci
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office "Your World" conference

CUMBRIA TAKING LEAD ON GROUND-BREAKING NEW EUROPEAN PROJECT - 01/02/05
Staff at Cumbria County Council’s Regeneration Support Team were overjoyed today to discover that a bid for funds to support European collaboration has been successful.