2014 – 2020: - Local Government Association

1 2014 – 2020: A guide to EU funding for councils

2014 – 2020:A guide to EU funding for councils

July 2015 edition

Foreword 4

Funding for Local Growth and Jobs 5

European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) 5

Figure 1: LEP notional allocations of ERDF and ESF 2014-20 5

Figure 2: ESIF Good practice checklist 8

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 9

European Social Fund (ESF) 11

Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) 14

Technical Assistance (TA) 14

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 15

LEADER 17

INTERREG (European Territorial Cooperation) 18

Figure 3: Suite of INTERREG programmes 18

INTERREG VA 19

INTERREG VB 20

INTERREG VC 21

INTERACT 22

Urban Development Network (UDN) 22

URBACT III 22

Urban Innovative Actions 23

Common Agricultural Policy (direct payment to farmers) 23

Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (COSME) 24

Horizon 2020 – The EU’s framework Programme for Research and Development 24

Contents

Loans for Regeneration, Businesses and Jobs 27

European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) 27

Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas (JESSICA) 28

Joint European Resources for Micro-to-Medium Enterprises (JEREMIE) 29

Employment and Social Innovation Programme (EaSI) 30

Funding for Transport and Environment 31

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Transport 31

City Vitality Sustainability Initiative (CIVITAS) 31

LIFE 2014–20 32

Natura 2000 32

European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) 32

Funding for Education, Culture and Social Issues 33

Erasmus + 33

Creative Europe 33

Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (REC) 34

Europe for Citizens 35

Asylum, migration and integration fund (AMIF) 35

Consumer programme 2014-20 36

Key Links 36

Annex 1: How The ESIF 2014-20 Programme Operates 38

Annex 2: ESIF Glossary (for items in bold) 39


The contents may be reproduced only for the purposes of internal distribution amongst local authority departments, with acknowledgement of the source.

This publication is aimed primarily at councils in England with an interest in EU funds. It does not provide comprehensive coverage of all EU funds, but focuses on the key funding sources that are relevant to councils. It is important for potential applicants to consult the website of the specific fund carefully before applying for any grants or loans.

All information contained in this publication is provided in good faith but in no way constitutes legal advice. The LGA can in no way be held responsible for any loss, financial or otherwise, arising from actions taken, or not taken on the basis of the information contained here within.By Russell Reefer and Dominic Rowles, LGA


The €960 billion EU budget for 2014-20 brings a new generation of EU spending programmes over seven years that deliver Europe’s political priorities.

Councils can access the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), which are managed by UK Government plus numerous other funds which are accessed directly from the EU, such as:

• Horizon 2020 – research and innovation

• Erasmus+ – education

• Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

• A wide range of loan products mostly suited to large scale projects.

Against the backdrop of reducing domestic public finances, the 2014-20 funding period provides a range of opportunities, and councils should think creatively in terms of mixing funding sources and working with other bodies in order to deliver great projects.

However choosing the right EU fund, finding partners and submitting the right information is a time-consuming and precise task.

There is no one standard application process for accessing funding. The various organisations, whether an EU institution or UK Government have varying and exact routes in.

With this in mind I am pleased to present this guide tailored to councils in England. I hope it will help demystify the wide range of opportunities and ensure that you do not miss out.

Throughout this funding period, LGA will continue to push for closer involvement of councils in funding processes and will aim to keep this guide updated in future to keep pace with programme developments.

Cllr Sue Murphy, LGA Resources Board

Foreword


European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) The UK receives €10.7 billion in ERDF and ESF Structural Funding for 2014-20, of which €6.9 billion is allocated to England*. This amount is then divided into ‘notional allocations’ for the 39 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas.

Figure 1: LEP notional allocations of ERDF and ESF 2014-20**

LEP Allocation €m

Black Country 176.6

Buckinghamshire Thames Valley 13.8

Cheshire and Warrington 141.6

Coast to Capital 67.0

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly 590.4

Coventry and Warwickshire 135.5

Cumbria 91.0

Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 244.0

Dorset 47.1

Enterprise M3 45.5

Gloucestershire 38.1

Greater Birmingham and Solihull 254.8

Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough 75.2

Greater Lincolnshire 133.0

Greater Manchester 413.8

Heart of the South West 117.8

Hertfordshire 69.2

Humber 102.0

Lancashire 265.2

Leeds City Region 389.5

Leicester and Leicestershire 125.7

Liverpool City Region 220.9

London 745.4

New Anglia 94.1

Funding for local growth and jobs

* Note this figure does not include Youth Employment Initiative. If including YEI then the figure is €7.1billion** LEP areas also have EAFRD allocations which are not included in these figures


North Eastern 537.4

Northamptonshire 54.8

Oxfordshire LEP 19.3

Sheffield City Region 207.2

Solent 42.9

South East 185.1

South East Midlands 87.9

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire 160.9

Swindon and Wiltshire 43.4

Tees Valley 201.7

Thames Valley Berkshire 28.5

The Marches 113.3

West of England 68.3

Worcestershire 67.8

York and North Yorkshire 97.1

Further information, including a breakdown of ESIF across the UK is available here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/eu-structural-funds-uk-allocations-2014-to-2020

What it funds European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are the EU’s principal investment policy helping to deliver the objectives of Europe 2020. They support key growth priorities including innovation, research and development, support for small- and medium-sized enterprises, low carbon, skills, employment and social inclusion.

NotesESIF 2014–20 brings together four funds. These are:

• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

• European Social Fund (ESF)

• European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

• European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

The first 3 have been brought together into a single EU Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme for England.*

Each of the ESIFs operate as a distinct fund with day-to-day running overseen by a respective Whitehall department acting as a Managing Authority (MA) (with locally based teams). (See Annex 1: How the ESIF 2014-20 programme will operate).

* only a portion of EAFRD is in the Growth Programme


Governance and delivery arrangements for ESIF 2014-20Following successful lobbying, the LGA secured significant gains for the 2014-20 ESIF spending round. These included:

• new spending instruments allowing greater local delivery

• formal partnership working between national and local government recognised for the first time in EU rules

• local level financial allocations for thirty-nine LEP areas across England, local funding plans, local committees and higher levels of local control and decision-making.

Each of the 39 LEP areas across England were asked to develop local ESIF strategies outlining how ESIF will be spent locally as part of the LEPs’ wider Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) based on a number of objectives defined in EU legislation known as thematic objectives (TOs).

It was envisaged that local areas would have an equal role with central government in determining which local projects received ESIF funding. However, in spring 2015, the Government reduced local partners’ status to ‘advisory’ within the ESIF programme.

As it stands councils therefore, LEPs and their partners working through 39 local ESIF sub-committees can provide advice on how well project funding applications fit with local circumstances but cannot ultimately decide themselves on how funds are spent.

The Government is adamant that local priorities will shape funding decisions and that local partners will have a strong advisory role in helping develop project pipelines.1

As of July 2015, London and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been given intermediate body (IB) status. This means they will have more say over how funds are spent locally compared to other cities across England.2

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, England’s only ‘less developed’ region, has an Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI). This creates an intergrated pot of money at the local level for sustainable urban development projects. It is made up of funds from ERDF, ESF, LEADER and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

Limited IB status has been granted to the eight English core cities to spend 10 per cent of their areas’ ERDF allocation on Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) actions: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield.

The Government will review the position on the governance model in the next twelve months and has agreed to work with local partners during this time to develop proposals for greater local responsibility.3

The LGA will continue to look for opportunities to increase local influence in the programme to ensure EU funds meet local need, and that local partners have adequate resource to carry out activities.

1 See letter from Government Minister (27 March 2015) www.local.gov.uk/european-and-international/-/journal_content/56/10180/6997232/ARTICLE

2 The GLA retains its Intermediate body (IB) status from the 2007-13 Programme this means it undertake most ‘MA’ activities on Government’s behalf in respect of ERDF and ESF programmes. In July 2015, as part of a wider devolution agreement, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were given Intermediate Body (IB) status. This will mean decisions on allocating €603.7m of European funding to projects will now be made locally rather than at Westminster. See: http://www.cornwallandislesofscillylep.com/news-and-media-centre/press-releases (16 July 2015)

3 Interview with Rt Hon Greg Clark MP Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government LGA First (June 2015). See: http://issuu.com/lgapublications/docs/new_first/17?e=16807299/13783391


Figure 2: ESIF good practice checklist

• Look at the website of your LEP and make contact with their secretariat.

• Find out from your LEP what resources might be available, deadlines for applications and any key priorities.

• Prepare in advance and seek senior management approval in principle so that you are ready to apply when a call for proposals is made on the gov.uk web site.

• Engage with your local ESIF sub-committee.

• Decide whether to bid bearing in mind the likely time and resources, involved in establishing partnerships and the match funding which would be needed.

• Don’t be over ambitious in your project application but show how the project will make a difference (eg targets for numbers helped into work).

• Consider joint bids and cooperation with other partners who might be bidding for funds in case there is potential to submit complementary applications which might be considered favourably. However don’t underestimate the time that might be needed to liaise and agree with partners.

• Set out how the project will be managed and evaluated.

• Build in project management, evaluation and administration and include appropriate staff costs as part of the bid.

• Get advice on filling in the form and paperwork required from those who have made a successful bid.


European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) €3.6 billion (England)4

What it fundsIt supports local economic growth and is focussed on small and medium-sized enterprises, research and innovation and a low-carbon economy.

Notes• The fund provides substantial resources to support research and innovation, small- and

medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and a low-carbon economy. There is also targeted support for investment in broadband, climate change, and the environment. In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, there is also some provision for transport infrastructure.

• The ESI Funds complement other local growth initiatives such as City Deals, Enterprise Zones, Regional Growth Fund and the Local Growth Fund.

• An EU city initiative, Sustainable Urban Development (SUD), is available in London and in core regions in England with a minimum population of 600,000: (Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield). This initiative will provide support for integrated urban activities for up to 10% of ERDF in each SUD area via a local funding pot.

• Community Led Local Development (CLLD) will provide delegated grant support in some deprived areas through community-based partnerships.

• ERDF in England is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The nine priorities5 for the England ERDF programme are:

Priority Axis 1 Promoting research and innovation

Priority Axis 2 Enhancing access to, and use and quality of, ICT

Priority Axis 3 Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs

Priority Axis 4 Supporting the shift towards a low carbon economy in all sectors

Priority Axis 5 Promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management

Priority Axis 6 Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency

Priority Axis 7 Sustainable transport in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Priority Axis 8 Promoting social inclusion and combating poverty and any discrimination

Priority Axis 9 Technical Assistance - Smart Specialisation Capability

• First call for projects took place between March and May 2015. The English ERDF Operational Programme was formally adopted by the European Commission in June 2015.

• Councils seeking funding should contact their LEP or local Growth Delivery Team (GDT) for advice.

4 Source: www.gov.uk/government/speeches/european-regional-development-fund

5 Government is also required to include output indicators under each investment priority, using indicators provided by the European omission. Details of these, and the types of interventions that can be undertaken, can be found in the full version of the operational programme, along with information on the performance framework linked to the performance reserve. www.gov.uk/government/policies/making-european-funding-work-better-for-the-uk-economy


Links • 2014 to 2020 European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme, executive

summary and supporting annexes: www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-european-regional-development-fund-operational-programme-2014-to-2020

• ESIF project calls and detailed local contact information can be found here: www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds

• European Commission website on ERDF www.ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index.cfm/en/funding/erdf

• Press Release: Commission gives green light to €3.6 billion EU Structural fund investments with added boost for small business in England http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/newsroom/news/2015/06/commission-gives-green-light-to-eur3-6-billion-eu-structural-fund-investments-with-added-boost-for-small-business-in-england

ERDF supported investment in broadband keeps Cornwall among world’s best-connected rural areas

Superfast Cornwall, a public and private sector partnership between the EU, BT and Cornwall Council, was launched in 2010. The £132m programme has been financed by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Convergence ERDF 2007 to 2013, BT and Cornwall Council, and managed by Cornwall Development Company, the arm’s length economic development company for Cornwall Council.

The programme has delivered world-leading fibre broadband coverage for a rural area, with 95 per cent of premises forecast to access fibre broadband by the end of June 2015, of which 89 per cent of premises are expected to be able to access superfast broadband speeds of 24mbps.

Recent programme evaluation highlights its strong transformational impact on residents and business alike.

For example, until superfast broadband arrived, the 2,200 residents of Scilly – located 28 miles off the South West tip of Cornwall – had relied upon a phone and broadband service provided by a radio link between Lands End and the islands.

The Isles of Scilly is now one of the best connected archipelagos in the world. The fast and stable data connection provides a vital link for residents, businesses and visitors to mainland Britain and the rest of the world, its an indispensable tool for the 360 businesses on the island (the highest rate of self-employment per capita in the UK.)

Building on these achievements, Cornwall Council has announced a new two phased programme that will aim to extend access to superfast broadband to at least 99% of premises in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. Investment in the first phase of the new programme has been secured from the UK government, through Broadband Delivery UK, Growth Deal and Regional Growth Fund, as well as matchfunding from Cornwall Council.

It is anticipated that 2014-2020 ERDF will be a principal source of investment for the second phase of the new programme.

Further information: www.superfastcornwall.org


Further ERDF case studies: ERDF projects in England: www.gov.uk/erdf-programmes-progress-and-achievements

European Social Fund (ESF) €3.5 billion (England)6

What it fundsAims to improve employment and education opportunities by funding training and skills projects. It also aims to improve the situation of vulnerable people at risk of poverty and promote social inclusion.

Notes• ESF funding for England is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

• Approximately 70 per cent of England’s ESF funds will be pre-matched with funds from co- financing or opt in organisations such as the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), Skills Funding Agency (SFA), DWP and the Big Lottery Fund (BLF).

• The English ESF OP should be formally adopted by the European Commission in the summer 2015. A stable text has been in place since December 2014 and the first call for projects took place between March and May 2015.

• Councils seeking funding should contact their LEP or local ESF Managing Authority representative for advice.

Links• Universal Credit and the European Social Fund: A guide to local authority welfare related

applications and recent case examples (LGA, 2015) www.local.gov.uk/welfare-reform

6 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/esf/main.jsp?catId=381

ERDF - New cable car over River Thames, London

A new 1.1 km-long cable car system has opened to the public which links up two parts of east London across the River Thames. The scheme took advantage of a major contribution from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund to help pay for all necessary infrastructure including two stations, steel support towers and 36 gondolas.

Link: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects/united-kingdom/london-welcomes-new-cable-car-over-river-thames

ERDF – Social housing retrofit, South East

Notes: Retrofit South East developed a model for low-carbon retrofit of social housing. The refurbishment of 14 homes created a focus for networking, dissemination and transfer of knowledge to construction businesses, professionals and policy-makers. The project tested solutions to a range of identified market failure issues, to stimulate the emerging retrofit market. This in turn will lead to the creation of new high-quality jobs in the region, and support energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets.

Link: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index.cfm/en/projects/best-practices/united-kingdom/2694


• UK government advice on the potential of projects and their eligibility for funding from European Social Fund (ESF), including information on applying for funding in specific regions and detailed local contact information: www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-social-fund-2014-to-2020-plans/european-social-fund-2014-to-2020-plans

• Draft England ESF OP: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/354912/esf-operational-programme-2014-2020-draft.pdf

• European Commission website on ESF ec.europa.eu/esf/home.jsp

See also Technical Assistance (TA); Youth Employment Initiative (YEI)

Links to Co-Financing Organisations (CFO)

Department for Work and Pensions www.gov.uk/government/publications/provider-guidance-esf-for-families-with-multiple-problems

Skills Funding Agency (SFA) www.gov.uk/government/collections/sfa-european-social-fund

Big Lottery Fund www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/global content/programmes/england/building-better-opportunities

National Offender Management Service (NOMS) www.co-financing.org/

Bad Boys Bakery: An ESF project for ex-offenders

The Bad Boys Bakery was established in a London prison by famous chef and TV personality, Gordon Ramsey. The aim was to provide offenders with skills and experience which would help them get a job on the outside.

Thanks to ESF funding through the UK’s National Offender Management Service, the bakery now runs as a social enterprise and offers participants on-the-job training that matches catering industry standards. Those taking part have the opportunity to gain qualifications in food production during an eight to 12 week course.

So far, more than 100 people have benefited from the programme of activities and training options. Funding has also been made available to help participants buy suitable clothing, including boots and chefs whites. The bakery’s care worker also helps inmates deal with issues relating to their release, such as drafting CVs, arranging IDs and setting up bank accounts.

A stint in the bakery is proving an effective way of helping people re-integrate into normal life: Almost one in three people has moved on to some form of employment – about half of these have gone on to secure jobs in the catering and hospitality industry. In addition, only about 3 per cent of participants have re-offended in the first year since their release – well below the national average of 47 per cent.

The project ran from 2012 and is ongoing. The ESF contribution was £206 000, through the UK Ministry of Justice programme.

Links: www.badboysbakery.org/index.html www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/helping-prisoners-find-work-and-reducing-re-offending-bad-boys-bakery


ESF – Job Deal Hampshire

Job Deal in Hampshire is an ESF employment project that helps ex-offenders find work, supporting them with completing CVs, disclosure and application forms, and improving their interview skills.

Job Deal is delivered by a network of expert partners from the public, private and third sectors and provides ex-offenders with individually tailored support to address the barriers to employment. Job Deal is run in the South East by Serco, and is jointly funded by the National Offender Management Service Co-financing Organisation and the ESF.

£7,200,000 ESF investment across the South East over four years to December 2014.

Link: www.gov.uk/government/collections/esf-funding-allocations-2007-to-2013

ESF – Re-engaging teenagers who are NEET

In North London, an innovative project has proven highly successful in reaching out to 16-19 year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

To get these young people back into work or learning, the initiative combined different actions tailored to individual needs.

The programme started with a support worker assessing each candidate on their personal circumstances, skills and interests. Together, they drew up a personalised action plan. A series of tailor-made workshops and skills development sessions followed where a major focus was placed on employability skills.

The participants could undertake work experience, attend a CV or interview workshop or brush up on their maths and English. They were then supported into sustained education, employment or training.

Special attention was given to supporting girls by assessing and responding to their special needs such as overcoming gender expectations or addressing childcare issues.

Participants’ feedback is overwhelmingly positive: 99 per cent of those surveyed indicated that the project enabled them to achieve their goals. “The teachers were brilliant,” says one of them. “I learnt new skills and now I’m pretty confident on what I want to do in the future.”

As of 2013, 133 participants had already moved into education, employment or training. The target was to have engaged with 413 young people by December 2014. The ESF contribution was £730,200.

Links: www.inspire-ebp.org.uk LGA Hidden Talents website www.local.gov.uk/hidden-talents


Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) €170 million (UK), €3.2 billion (EU-wide)7

What it fundsYEI promotes the sustainable integration into the labour market of young people, in particular those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). This is one of the investment priorities for ESF.

NotesSignificant funding goes to Inner London, Merseyside, Tees Valley & Durham, and the West Midlands. Smaller amounts go to Kingston upon Hull, Nottingham, Leicester and Thurrock. YEI funding was allocated to the respective Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas, to extend provision of apprenticeships, work experience placements and youth entrepreneurship programmes. LEP areas can also choose to develop new youth employment programmes based on their understanding of the local economy.

The YEI will operate through ESF programmes or separate YEI programmes in 2014-20.

Links • UK government news release on YEI: www.gov.uk/government/news/170-million-to-help-

young-people-find-jobs

• European Commission website on YEI: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1036

See also European Social Fund (ESF)

Technical Assistance (TA) €277 million (UK) ERDF and ESF English Technical Assistance budget8

What it funds• TA is used to ensure that the activities which fall within the scope of the ERDF and ESF

Programmes are managed, monitored and evaluated in line with EU rules

• Government is looking to make up to half of the funds set aside for Technical Assistance available to local partners to support the delivery of their European Structural and Investment Funds Strategies in 2014-2020, subject to the requirements of the European Regulations.

Notes• The first TA call covering both ERDF and ESF invites applications from projects looking to

operate at both a local and national (England-wide) level to support the ERDF and ESF operational programmes.

• For example, project development activities (up to outline application stage), communications tools such as websites and the sharing of best practice may be supported.

• The first Technical Assistance call (ERDF&ESF) opened on 20 March 2015 and will end on 30 October 2015. There were and are four review points – 27 April, 30 June, 1 September and 30 October 2015.

7 Source: Source 1: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-social-fund-2014-to-2020-plans ; Source 2: www.gov.uk/government/news/170-million-to-help-young-people-find-jobs

8 The Technical Assistance (TA) budget represents around 4 per cent of the overall English ERDF and ESF programme value.


Links • Call to run a local or national Technical Assistance project in England https://www.gov.uk/

european-structural-investment-funds/technical-assistance-call-in-england

See also European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); European Social Fund (ESF)

European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

€3.5 billion (England), €98 billion (EU-wide)9

What it fundsSupports schemes to improve the environment, increase the productivity of farming and forestry and grow the rural economy. EAFRD is matched with domestic government money for rural development and delivered through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

NotesThe new RDPE has four elements:

• Environmental schemes (£3.1bn) – around £900m of which will be available under the new Countryside Stewardship scheme for farmers and land managers who voluntarily manage their land in ways that benefit the environment to meet local priorities. Around £2.1bn will pay farmers and foresters who are already in environmental schemes from the previous programme.

• Countryside Productivity (£141m) – helping the farming and forestry industry to become highly skilled and new farmers to start-up their business. Helping develop world class production and supply chains through working together to use the best new technology and innovation and by collaborating to develop their sectors.

• Growth Programme (£177m) – helping get new rural businesses off the ground and existing businesses to develop new products and facilities, investing in broadband and renewable energy and promoting rural tourism. LEPs and local partners (including councils) will help decide how to spend funds in their area.

• The RDPE Growth Programme is being launched in phases. From July 2015 onwards, calls for grants will support:

◦ Small and micro-businesses

◦ Agri-food businesses

◦ Rural tourism development

• Further calls later in the year will support:

◦ Small-scale rural renewables project grants

◦ Skills and business advice for rural businesses (from late 2015)

◦ Rural broadband grants (from 2016)

◦ Processing, mobilising and marketing of forestry products

9 Source 1: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/404607/rdpe-england-2014-2020.pdf – page 630


• EAFRD is managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The Environmental schemes are delivered by Natural England and the Countryside Productivity and the Growth Programme are delivered by RPA Rural Development.

Links• UK government formal programme document setting out, in detail, what the Rural

Development Programme for England will achieve: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rdpe-programme-document-2014-to-2020

• European Commission website on Rural Development http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rural-development-2014-2020/index_en.htm

See also LEADER programme.


LEADER €138 million (England)

What it fundsLEADER is a ‘bottom-up’ local community approach to delivering the EAFRD whereby local partnerships, called Local Action Groups (LAGs), fund rural development projects in line with a local LEADER strategy.

Notes• LEADER provides grants for farmers, foresters and rural community enterprises. Many of the

projects directly support the rural economy through the creation and development of smaller rural businesses. LEADER also supports cooperation projects and networking among rural development partnerships.

• In certain areas, LEADER may be delivered via the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) mechanism. At least 5 per cent of the total EAFRD contribution to rural development programmes will be reserved for LEADER in the UK.

• Councils seeking funding should contact their, LEP, LAG or local Defra rural development team for advice.

Links• UK government guidance on LEADER approach in the Rural Development Programme for

England (RDPE),national delivery framework: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/leader-approach-in-the-rdpe-national-delivery-framework

See also European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)

Uttlesford’s rural economy boosted by development fund

Small businesses and community groups across rural Uttlesford will be able to access a £1.8 million fund to assist with growth and development projects.

The funding pot, which is also available to rural businesses and groups in East Herts, Epping Forest and North Herts, has been secured by East Herts District Council through Defra and the EU, from summer 2015.

The Eastern Plateau Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) fund will be managed and administered by East Herts District Council in partnership with the Local Action Group - a locally led group of rural-sector representatives.

More than 10 rural business and community projects in Uttlesford benefitted from a similar fund in 2008-14, with grants awarded ranging from £3,000 to £60,000.

The new funding stream is focused towards projects that show business growth and job creation. It will assist projects covering farm productivity, rural tourism, provision of rural services, culture and heritage, forest productivity and business growth.

The Council will work with businesses in the district to explore how they can develop and grow their business alongside applying for funding.

Link www.uttlesford.gov.uk/article/3401/Uttlesfords-rural-economy-boosted-by-development-fund


INTERREG (European Territorial Cooperation)At least € 865 million (UK) € 9.6 billion (EU-wide)10

Figure 3: Suite of INTERREG programmes Programme Programme type Participating countriesTwo Seas Cross Border England, France, Belgium, Netherlands

England-France (Channel) Cross Border England, FranceNorth West Europe Transnational All UK, Ireland, France, Germany,

Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland

North Sea Transnational England, Scotland, Germany, Netherland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway

Atlantic Area Transnational England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal

Interreg Europe Inter-regional All EU, budget set at EU level and not part of UK allocation

URBACT Inter-regional All EU, budget set at EU level and not part of UK allocation

INTERACT Inter-regional All EU, budget set at EU level and not part of UK allocation

What it fundsThe suite of INTERREG programmes help regions and local areas across Europe to work together to address shared problems in a wide range of fields – economic development, environment, research and innovation etc. To secure the funding, working with a network of partners from other EU Member States is required (typically exchanges of experience).

NotesThe programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and offers three types of cooperation programme:

• Cross-border cooperation programmes (INTERREG VA): along internal EU borders (such as the south and east of England with the North of France).

• Transnational cooperation programmes (INTERREG VB): within larger definined transnational areas (such as Northwest Europe, Altantic Area, Northern Periphery).

• Interregional cooperation programmes (INTERREG VC/ ‘INTERREG Europe’): covers the whole EU without any geographical limitations.

Link • European Commission website on Territorial Cooperation http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/

cooperate/cooperation/index_en.cfm

10 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/available-budget/


INTERREG VA – cross-border (England–France Channel programme etc) €612 million (UK)

What it fundsProjects and networks that tackle common challenges are identified jointly in the border regions.

NotesFunding tackles poor accessibility, especially in relation to ICT connectivity and transport infrastructure; declining local industries; an inappropriate business environment; lack of networks among local and regional administrations; low levels of research and innovation and take-up of ICT; environmental pollution; risk prevention; negative attitudes towards the citizens of neighbouring countries; development of cross-border research and innovation facilities and clusters; cross-border labour market integration; and cooperation among education providers, including universities or among health centres.

Link• INTERREG IVA France (Channel) England Programme 2014-20 website:

www.interreg5a-fce.eu

• INTERREG IVA 2 Seas Programme 2014-20 website: www.interreg4a-2mers.eu/2014-2020

Interreg IVA – Cross-Channel network of enterprising women promotes exports and business skills

More than 200 British and French women entrepreneurs have joined an innovative cross-Channel enterprise network to promote business skills, exports and good practices.

The scheme took advantage of a major contribution from ‘France (Channel) – England’ INTERREG IVA cross-border cooperation programme for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.

Link http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects/france/b-new-cross-channel-network-of-enterprising-women-promotes-exports-and-business-skills


INTERREG VB – transnational (North West Europe etc) €253 million (UK)

What it fundsFunds integrated territorial development, including maritime cross-border cooperation that is not covered by cross-border cooperation programmes.

Notes• It focuses on the following thematic objectives:

◦ strengthening research, technological development and innovation

◦ supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors

◦ protecting the environment and promoting energy efficiency.

Links• Interreg VB 2014-20 Programme website: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/

cooperation/european-territorial/trans-national

• North West Europe VB 2014-20 Programme website: http://www.nweurope.eu/5b

INTERREG – Restoration of minerals sites

The RESTORE project, led by the RSPB, and partnering with Surrey County Council, addressed the challenge of environmental degradation by developing a framework for the restoration of minerals sites (quarries), to provide benefits for biodiversity, habitats, local people and the economy. The project, with other partners from across North-West Europe helped to reverse biodiversity declines, protected designated sites, enhanced landscapes, provided green infrastructure and improved the quality of life in the areas involved. The project ran from 2011 until September 2015. The ERDF contribution for Surrey County Council was £304,227.

Link: http://www.rspb.org.uk/forprofessionals/science/research/details.aspx?id=354133

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/cooperation/european-territorial/trans-national


INTERREG VC / Interreg Europe – inter-regional (EU-wide) €572 million (EU-wide)

What it fundsFunds cooperation on urban development, including urban–rural links.

Notes• The programme funds the following priority axes:

◦ research, technological development and innovation

◦ competitiveness of SMEs

◦ low-carbon economy

◦ environment and resource efficiency.

Under Interreg Europe there are no geographical limits to cooperations. Partners can be from anywhere in the EU.

LinkINTERREG VC Programme 2014-20 website: www.interregeurope.eu

INTERREG IVC – Promotion of Open Specifications and Standards in Europe (POSSE project)

The POSSE project, led by Reading Borough Council, encouraged the use of Intelligent Transport Systems through the transfer of good practice from UK and German experiences to follower cities elsewhere in Europe. It supported the development of Europe-wide open specifications and standards, in the field of road transport management.

The project delivered implementation plans which set out how open systems and specifications could be implemented and assisted the follower cities across Europe in delivering their environment policy objectives. The project ran from 2012 to the end of 2014. The ERDF contribution was €1.24 million.

Link: www.posse-openits.eu/


INTERACT What it fundsSupports the good governance of European Territorial Cooperation Programmes (INTERREG) themselves, and is aimed at funding the exchange and sharing of ideas and best practice among territorial cooperation programmes.

Link• INTERACT website www.interact-eu.net

Urban Development Network (UDN) Is not a fund, but rather a network run by the European Commission which facilitates the exchange of information and experience on sustainable urban development between cities, Managing Authorities and the EU. It is likely that only England’s ‘core cities’ and London will be eligible to participate in the network (a 600,000 population threshold). Other areas should consider URBAN Innovative Actions and the URBACT programme.

There is also a further special network, known as TAIEX which has been launched purely to allow Managing Authorities and Intermediate Bodies across the EU to exchange with each other on the design and delivery of ESIF programmes.

Links• Urban Development Network (UDN) Website http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/

conferences/udn

• TAIEX - http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/how/improving-investment/taiex-regio-peer-2-peer

URBACT III € 96 million (EU-wide)

What it fundsFunds the exchange of information and experience on sustainable urban development across the EU. It enables cities to work together to develop solutions to major urban challenges.

Three types of networks are expected to be funded:

• Action Planning Networks: exchanges on what works and doesn’t work with urban development strategies and action plans.

• Implementation Networks: exchanges on what implementation actions work best in the context of sustainable urban development.

• Transfer Networks: 1 lead city with experience in a given field or approach being partnered with 5 or 6 ‘receiving’ cities who can learn from the approach.

Calls will be based on a specific theme (energy efficiency, disadvantaged neighbourhoods etc) in line with the EU’s overall ‘Urban Agenda’: the emerging overarching EU strategy which will frame all the EU’s urban development actions in the future.

Link• URBACT III website http://urbact.eu


Urban Innovative Actions €371 Million (EU-wide)

What it fundsTests new approaches to the challenges faced by cities, through pilot projects. The aim is to generate knowledge of what works and what does not, why, and what should be done differently. Projects will be selected through calls for proposals with an ERDF contribution not exceeding €5 million per project, a co-financing rate of maximum 80 per cent and project duration of three years maximum.

Notes• The focus must be experimental and genuinely new (in the EU) i.e. different from a regular

ERDF supported urban development project. Applicants should show they have done thorough research and that similar actions have not been funded in a previous round. UIA can be used however to test ideas taken from around the globe (i.e. US/Asia) or perhaps to adapt or add risk to existing ideas and approaches already found within an EU city.

• The topics of the calls will be defined annually by the Commission. The management of Urban Innovative Actions is delegated to the Nord-Pas de Calais Region, France.

Link• EU page on Urban Innovative Actions http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/themes/

urban-development/portal

Common Agricultural Policy (direct payments to farmers) €313 billion (EU-wide)11

What it fundsThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims to ensure a decent standard of living for farmers and a stable and safe food supply at affordable prices for consumers. It subsidises the cultivation of a range of agricultural products including: cereal, rice, potatoes, oil, dried fodder, milk and milk products, wine, honey, beef and veal, poultry meat and eggs, pig meat, sheep/lamb meat, goat meat, sugar, fruit and vegetables, cotton, peas, field beans, olives, hops, flowers and live plants, and animal feed stuffs.

Notes• CAP direct payments to farmers are known as ‘Pillar 1’ of the Common Agricultural Policy

and are Administered in England via DEFRA’s ‘Basic Payment Scheme’.

• In the UK, the Government moves some Pillar 1 funds into Pillar 2, via a budgetary process known as modulation. This helps to ensure sufficient funds are available for agri-environment measures, increasing the productivity of farming and forestry, and growing the rural economy (Pillar 2 of the CAP).

Links: • UK government guide to CAP: www.gov.uk/government/publications/common-agricultural-

policy-introduction-to-the-new-cap-schemes

• Government page on the Basic Payment Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/basic-payment-scheme-guidance-for-2015

See also the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

11 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/mff/programmes/index_en.cfm#subceiling


Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME) €2.3 billion (EU-wide)12

What it fundsThis is a new EU programme specifically designed to support SMEs. It funds initiatives that will:

• improve access to financial instruments

• improve access to markets (through the Loan Guarantee Facility and the Equity Facility for Growth)

• support entrepreneurs

• improve conditions for competitiveness.

Link• Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME)

webpage http://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/cosme/index_en.htm

Horizon 2020 – The EU’s framework Programme for Research and Development €77 billion (EU-wide)13

What it fundsHorizon 2020 is the EU’s fund for research and innovation. It helps universities and research laboratories to take their ideas to the market. Bottom-up activities will be strengthened, allowing Europe’s brightest and most creative minds to propose their own solutions.

Notes• Local authorities are unlikely to be lead research organisations, but can help with testing

activities and citizen feedback on issues such as ICT, environmental projects, and new transport technologies. Local authorities have therefore been part of such EU-funded research projects in the past.

Programmes supported by H2020:

Active & Assisted Living (AAL) – Support older adults to live longer in their homes with the contribution of ICT based solutions.

Climate Action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials – Activities in this Challenge will help increase European competitiveness, raw materials security and improve wellbeing.

Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (ECSEL) – The ECSEL JTI will contribute to the development of a strong and globally competitive electronics components and systems industry in the Union.

Energy-efficient Buildings PPP – The Energy-efficient Buildings PPP promotes green technologies and the development of energy efficient systems and materials in new and renovated buildings.

12 Source: www.eutrainingsite.com

13 Source Page 44: A Beginner’s Guide to EU Funding: Source http://ec.europa.eu/budget/funding/index_en


Programmes supported by H2020 (continued)

Energy – Our key area of activity is the Horizon 2020 Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy Challenge which covers energy research, demonstration, innovation and market transformation.

EUREKA Eurostars – first European funding and support programme to be specifically dedicated to SMEs.

Europe in a changing world – inclusive, innovative and reflective societies –Focuses around three intertwined areas of inclusive, innovative and reflective societies.

European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) – Aims is to increase innovation capacity and to boost capability in converting research outputs into high-value products and services.

ERANETS European Regional Area NETworks – Improves the coordination and cooperation of regional and national programmes by making single themed, open calls. The calls are in specific sectors and themed areas of science and technology. European Research Council (ERC) – Funds ambitious ‘frontier research’ proposals submitted by a Principal Investigator (PI) in any area of research and without predefined thematic priorities.

Factories of the Future PPP – A research programme with a €1.2 billion budget to support the manufacturing industry in the development of new and sustainable technologies.

Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine and Maritime and Inland Water Research and the Bioeconomy – A transition is needed towards an optimal and renewable use of biological resources and towards sustainable primary production and processing systems.

Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) – A non-prescriptive and supports novel and visionary ideas.

Health – Healthcare projects should look to achieve effective health promotion and disease prevention, thus contributing to wellbeing.

Industrial biotechnology and eco-innovation – Funding opportunities exist for Industrial Biotechnology R & D projects. In particular, in sectors such as food and feed, chemicals, textiles, detergents, paper and pulp, and bioenergy.

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) – Horizon 2020’s Societal Challenges recognize ICT as the key technology underpinning today’s connected world.

Marie Curie Actions – Available to researchers regardless of their nationality or field of research. Scientists have the possibility to gain experience abroad and in the private sector.

NMP (Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials and Advanced Manufacturing and Processing) – Nanotechnologies, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing. This area of Horizon 2020 focuses on new opportunities for industrial leadership.


Programmes supported by H2020 (continued)

Research Infrastructures – Research Infrastructures help advance knowledge and technology in the search for solutions to global challenges. The Research Infrastructures Programme creates opportunities for researchers and others.

Science with and for Society – address the societal engagement in research and innovation from many perspectives, such as encouraging dialogue between scientists and other members of the public.

Secure Societies – Protecting freedom and the security of Europe and its citizens is the seventh of Horizon 2020’s Societal Challenges. Small to Medium-sized Enterprises – (SMEs) – This instrument is intended to help innovative SMEs who can show a strong ambition to grow and to develop through international collaboration.

Space research – The European Union’s space programme’s aims are to promote scientific and technical progress and industrial competitiveness and to support the implementation of EU policies.

Spreading excellence and widening participation – Maximising investment in research and innovation will enable the European Research Area to function in a more streamlined and homogeneous way, allowling the individual strengths of each Member State to be optimised.

Transport – The smart, green and integrated transport programme aims to achieve a European transport system that is resource-efficient, climate- and environmentally-friendly, safe and seamless for all people (see also CIVITAS)

Links • UK Horizon 2020 website: https://www.h2020uk.org

• EU Horizon 2020 website: http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020


Loans for regeneration, businesses and jobs

European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) €21 billion from EU/EIB; €315 billion (EU-wide) including investor funding14

What it fundsProvide loans or loan guarantees (not grants) for projects in areas such as: infrastructure, education, research, innovation, renewable energy and energy efficiency. It will also focus on SMEs (<250 employees) and mid-cap companies (250–3,000 employees). The EFSI will fund projects that promote job-creation, long-term growth and competitiveness.

The fund also sets up a European Investment Advisory Hub (EIAH) and regional and national investment platforms to provide advisory support to projects and act as a match-making service between the public sector and private investors, irrespective of whether or not they benefit from actual EFSI support.

NotesThe bulk (75 per cent) of EFSI financing is likely to focus on large-scale (>€50 million) national projects, which will nevertheless have local authority relevance. The remaining 25 per cent of the fund will be used to provide smaller loans (venture capital) and guarantees to SMEs and mid-cap companies. Such loans will be processed and delivered via banks in each member state.

The Government has submitted to the European Commission a list of UK strategic investment projects as an indication of the type of large-scale projects that could benefit from the fund. These include major energy, broadband, and environmental projects. Other projects not on the national list can also apply, such as those for new school buildings, regional transport projects etc.

Link • EU EFSI website: http://ec.europa.eu/priorities/jobs-growth-investment/plan/efsi/index_en.htm

14 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/priorities/jobs-growth-investment/plan/index_en.htm


Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas (JESSICA) What it fundsFunds loans for urban development and regeneration.

NotesJESSICA brings together local ESIF monies with European Investment Bank monies to create a local or regional urban development loan fund. There must be a JESSICA loan fund established in your area in order to be able to benefit from it. London, Sheffield and the North West currently have JESSICAs which will continue after 2015, in some cases with renewed funding.

Link• EU JESSICA website http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index.cfm/en/funding/special-

support-instruments/jessica

London, North West and Sheffield currently have a JESSICA under the 2007-13 programme which have been used to set up green or sustainable urban development loans funds. The ‘London Green Fund’ (€100 million) for example supports waste, energy efficiency, and greener social housing.

Sources:

• London Green Fund www.london.gov.uk/priorities/business-economy/championing-london/london-and-european-structural-funds/european-regional-development-fund/jessica-london-green-fund

• North West Evergreen Fund www.northwestevergreenfund.co.uk

• Sheffield City Region JESSICA Urban Development Fund www.scrjessica.co.uk


Joint European Resources for Micro-to-Medium Enterprises (JEREMIE) What it fundsFunds venture capital or loan funds for the development of micro-enterprises (<10 employees) and SMEs (<250 employees).

NotesThe funds can support:

• the creation of new business or expansion of existing ones

• access to investment capital by enterprises (particularly SMEs) to modernise and diversify their activities, develop new products, and secure and expand market access

• business-oriented research and development, technology transfer, innovation and entrepreneurship

• technological modernisation of productive structures to help reach low-carbon economy targets

• productive investments that create and safeguard sustainable jobs.

There must be a JEREMIE loan fund established in your region in order to be able to benefit from it.

The North East, North West and Yorkshire & the Humber set up JEREMIEs several years ago, and some of these will remain active with both legacy and renewed funding after 2015.

Link • EU JEREMIE website http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/special-support-

instruments/jeremie


Employment and Social Innovation Programme (EaSI) €920 million EU-wide

What it fundsEaSI is an EU financing instrument which promotes quality and sustainable employment, guaranteeing social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty, and improving working conditions.

NotesIt provides loans/guarantees to support:

• access to micro-finance and social entrepreneurship

• the modernisation of employment and social policies (PROGRESS axis)

• job mobility (EURES axis).

EaSI an umbrella programme which takes in the former PROGRESS, EURES and Progress Microfinance programme. EaSI financing can be combined with support from ESF.

Supported UK microcredit providers (under the Progress Microfinance Facility, as was) have included:

• Bradford Enterprise Agency

• Ezbob Business loans

• Fair Finance

• GLE one London.

Calls are also run for EaSI Technical Assistance (previously known as JASMINE). Previous beneficiaries included:

• Welsh Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA).

Links• EU EaSI pages: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1081

• EaSI Technical Assistance : www.eib.org/products/lending/microfinance/non-financial-instruments/index.htm


Funding for transport and environment

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Transport €33 billion (EU-wide)15

What it fundsSupports road and rail infrastructure projects with significant EU added value, for example: developing and removing bottlenecks along the main pan-EU road and rail routes (known as the Trans-European Network for Transport TEN-T). The aim is to improve links between different parts of the EU, boosting trade and increasing mobility for individuals.

NotesCEF also aims to support links between the ‘core’ TEN-T network and local roads such as those managed by councils. There is also a CEF for energy infrastructure and for digital networks (broadband).

Links • A list of projects identified in the UK can be found here: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/

themes/infrastructure/index_en.htm.

• European Commission website on Infrastructure – TEN-T – Connecting Europe http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/infrastructure/ten-t-guidelines/project-funding/cef_en.htm

• European Commission website on Connecting Europe Facility (CEF): http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/connecting-europe-facility

City Vitality Sustainability Initiative (CIVITAS) €200 million (EU-wide)16

What it fundsFunds the implementation of ambitious, integrated, sustainable urban transport strategies. CIVITAS also funds the evaluation of these strategies.

NotesProject examples include a public transport ticketing system in Tallinn, a 100% clean bus fleet in Toulouse, waterborne goods transport in Bremen, and a new traffic control system in Bologna. Bristol City Council and other local authorities in the UK have also benefitted from CIVITAS in the past.

Link• CIVITAS website www.civitas.eu (see also Horizon 2020)

15 Source: EU beginners guide pg 44

16 Source: www.civitas-initiative.eu/sites/default/files/CIVITAS%20Plus%20II_Factsheet.pdf


LIFE 2014–20 €3.4 billion (EU-wide)17

What it fundsThe ‘Climate Action’ strand covers climate change mitigation; climate change adaptation; and climate governance and information.

Links • EU LIFE 2014-20 website http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/life.htm

Natura 2000 Share of € 3.4 billion LIFE budget (EU-wide)

What it fundsSpecial Areas of Conservation (SAC) to protect the EU’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.

Links • Natura Website www.natura.org

• EU Natura 2000 website http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/

European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) €1.6 billion (EU-wide) including investments18

What it fundsSupports councils in preparing and implementing sustainable energy plans for their area.

NotesThe fund covers up to 90 per cent of the council’s costs. It could benefit district heating projects, green transport measures, street-lighting schemes, or the integration of renewable energy sources into public buildings, for example.

Link• EU ELENA Website: www.eib.org/products/advising/elena/index.htm

17 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/life2014/

18 Source: www.eib.org/infocentre/publications/all/elena.htm


Erasmus + €14.7 billion (EU-wide)19

What it fundsErasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport. It runs for seven years, from 2014 to 20, with organisations invited to apply for funding each year.

NotesErasmus+ provides opportunities for over four million Europeans to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad.

It supports transnational partnerships among education, training, and youth organisations to foster cooperation and bridge the worlds of education and work in order to tackle skills gaps.

It also supports national efforts to modernise education, training, and youth systems. In the field of sport, there will be support for grassroots projects and cross-border challenges such as combating match-fixing, doping, violence and racism.

Link • EU Erasmus + Website: http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/index_en.htm

Creative Europe €1.5 billion (EU-wide)20

What it fundsSupports organisations and businesses operating in the cultural and creative sectors.

NotesCreative Europe funds:

MEDIA – Creative Europe’s MEDIA sub-programme supports film, television, new media and video games, offering funding, training and networking opportunities for producers, video game developers, distributors, sales agents, audiovisual training providers, organisers of festivals, markets and networks, film education specialists and cinema exhibitors.

Culture – Creative Europe’s Culture sub-programme supports the cultural and creative sectors and funds mainly collaborative projects and initiatives across all art forms, such as visual arts, dance, theatre, literature, performance, music, heritage, architecture, design, circus, festivals, craft and fashion. There is also support for publishers looking to translate European fiction.

19 Source: Source 1: https://www.eutrainingsite.com

20 Source: Source 1: ibid

Funding for education, culture and social issues


Cross Sector – From 2016, Creative Europe will also include a financial guarantee instrument to help the audiovisual, cultural and creative sectors secure access to finance.

Links • Creative Europe Website: www.creativeeuropeuk.eu/

• EU Creative Europe Website http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/

Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (REC) €439 million (EU-wide)21

What it fundsFunds the promotion and protection of human rights in the EU.

NotesFunds actions which:

• promote non–discrimination

• combat racism, xenophobia, homophobia and other forms of intolerance

• promote rights of persons with disabilities

• promote equality between women and men and gender mainstreaming

• prevent violence against children, young people, women and other groups at risk (Daphne)

• promote the rights of the child

• the highest level of data protection

• promote the rights deriving from Union citizenship

• enforce consumer rights.

Actions funded include:

• training activities (staff exchanges, workshops, development of training modules)

• mutual learning, cooperation activities, exchange of good practices, peer reviews, development of ICT tools

• awareness-raising activities, dissemination, conferences

• support for main actors (key European NGOs and networks, Member States’ authorities implementing Union law)

• analytical activities (studies, data collection, development of common methodologies, indicators, surveys, preparation of guides…).

Link • EU Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme Website: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants1/

programmes-2014-2020/rec/index_en.htm

21 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants1/programmes-2014-2020/rec/index_en.htm


Europe for Citizens €86 million (EU-wide)22

What it fundsPromotes European remembrance, democratic engagement and civic participation.

NotesFunds actions which:

• contribute to citizens’ understanding of the EU, its history and diversity

• foster European citizenship and to improve conditions for civic and democratic participation at EU level

• raise awareness of remembrance, common history and values

• encourage democratic participation of citizens at EU level, by developing citizens’ understanding of the EU policy making-process and, by promoting opportunities for societal and intercultural engagement and volunteering at EU level.

Link • EU Europe for Citizens Website: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/europe-for-citizens_en

Asylum, migration and integration fund (AMIF) €3.1 billion (EU-wide)23

What it fundsFunds actions which promote the efficient management of migration flows.

NotesThe fund will contribute to the achievement of four specific objectives:

• Asylum: strengthening and developing the Common European Asylum System by ensuring that EU legislation in this field is efficiently and uniformly applied..

• Legal migration and integration: supporting legal migration to EU States in line with the labour market needs and promoting the effective integration of non-EU nationals.

• Return: enhancing fair and effective return strategies, which contribute to combating irregular migration, with an emphasis on sustainability and effectiveness of the return process.

• Solidarity: making sure that EU States which are most affected by migration and asylum flows can count on solidarity from other EU States.

Link • EU Asylum, migration and integration fund website http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/

financing/fundings/migration-asylum-borders/asylum-migration-integration-fund/index_en.htm

22 Source: Link: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/europe-for-citizens/funding_en

23 Source: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs/financing/fundings/migration-asylum-borders/asylum-migration-integration-fund/index_en.htm


Consumer programme 2014-20 €189 million (EU-wide)24

What it fundsFunds actions which protect the health, safety and economic interests of European citizens.

NotesThe programme has four priorities: Safety, Information and education, Rights and redress, and Enforcement (SIRE).

Linkhttp://ec.europa.eu/consumers/eu_consumer_policy/financial-programme/index_en.htm

24 Source: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/bibliotheque/briefing/2014/130724/LDM_BRI(2014)130724_REV1_EN.pdf


BIS. (2014). European Structural and Investment Funds: UK Partnership Agreement. London: Department for Business, Innovation & Skills. www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-structural-and-investment-funds-uk-partnership-agreement

Deloitte’s ‘Quick Guide to EU funding 2014-20’: www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/cy/Documents/finance/CY_Finance_EUFunding2014-2020Guide_Noexp.pdf

EU Beginner’s Guide to EU Funding: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/funding/index_en

EU funding guidance for voluntary and community organisations: http://europeanfundingnetwork.eu/funding-advice

EU grants portal: http://ec.europa.eu/contracts_grants/grants_en.htm

EU Guidance for Beneficiaries of European Structural and Investment Funds and related EU instruments http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index.cfm/en/information/publications/guides/2014/guidance-for-beneficiaries-of-european-structural-and-investment-funds-and-related-eu-instruments .

EU guide to ESIF: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/newsroom/news/2015/04/the-publication-guidance-for-beneficiaries-of-european-structural-and-investment-funds-and-related-eu-instruments-is-now-available-in-22-languages

EU guide to loans using ESIF: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index.cfm/en/information/publications/guides/2014/financial-instruments-in-esif-programmes-2014-2020-a-short-reference-guide-for-managing-authorities

EU loans portal: www.access2finance.eu

European Commission. (2014). Guidance for beneficiaries of European Structural and Investment Funds and related EU instruments. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/docgener/guides/synergy/synergies_beneficiaries.pdf

Key links


Annex 1: How the ESIF 2014-20 programme operates


Term Refers to

Category of region (less developed, transition, more developed)

Different funding allocation rates have been agreed according to one of three categories of region (less developed, transition and more developed). For England, this is as follows:

Less developed – GDP per capita below 75 per cent of the EU average. Affected areas are Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Transition – GDP per capita between 75 per cent and 90 per cent of EU average. Affected areas are Cumbria, Devon, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, Shropshire and Staffs, Merseyside, Lincolnshire, Tees Valley and Durham.

More developed – GDP per capita above 90 per cent of the EU average. The rest of England (i.e. the majority) falls into this category.

City Deals Government agreed to devolve new powers to England’s largest cities in a series of unique deals that aim to help them invest in growth, improve local workers’ skills and create jobs, support local businesses, control budgets and improve critical infrastructure.

Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Community Led Local Development (CLLD) is a method of spending ESIF. It focuses on smaller areas, usually at the local authority or community level, through community projects. CLLD uses a bottom-up approach to project design and is more focused on a series of one-off investment. It brings together public, private and non- profit groups that form a CLLD local action group to deliver change for their area through a local development strategy.

Annex 2: ESIF Glossary


England’s ‘core cities’ A group of large cities in England and outside Greater London.: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield.

Enterprise Zones Enterprise Zones are geographically defined localites in 24 areas across England. They are hosted by LEPs and enable and incentivises commercial and industrial businesses to set up or expand.

Europe 2020 Launched in 2010, Europe 2020 is the EU’s 10-year strategy for economic, social and geographic growth and job creation Link http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/europe-2020-in-a-nutshell/targets/index_en.htm.


European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), supports smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in agriculture, food and forestry and supports inclusive development of rural areas.

European Code of Conduct on Partnership This European Code of Conduct on the Partnership Principle requires all EU member state national governments to strengthen cooperation and work together closely andin partnership with trade unions, employers, non-governmental organisations and other bodies that promote, for example, social inclusion, gender equality

European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

EMFF supports the fishing industry to adapt its fleet to make it more competitive, and promotes measures to protect and enhance the environment.

European Social Fund (ESF) European Social Fund (ESF), which is designed to increase employment opportunities and improve the situation of the most vulnerable by promoting social inclusion and tackling poverty


European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF)

The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are the EU’s main funding programmes for supporting growth and jobs across the EU.

In the UK, the ESIF are made up of the:

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

European Social Fund (ESF)


European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) local investment strategy

The ESIF strategy outlines strategic goals and investment priorities at the LEP level.

In April 2013, Government asked each LEP to draw up a strategy for spending their notional allocation of ESIF. Each LEP area drafted a local ESIF strategy, which set out local priorities for growth which were later combined into national objectives and investment priorities outlined in each of the ERDF and ESF operational programmes. The local ESIF strategy formed part of each LEP’s wider Strategic Economic Plan (SEP)25

Fisheries local action groups (FLAGs) Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), are partnerships between fisheries actors and other local public and private stakeholders. Together, they design and implement a bottom-up strategy that fits and addresses their area´s needs to increase economic, social and environmental welfare.

25 For individual SEPs please refer to individual LEP websites


Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) This creates an intergrated pot of money at the local level for sustainable urban development projects. It can be made up of funds from ERDF, ESF, LEADER and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

LEADER Stands for Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale (Links between the rural economy and development actions’)

Local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) A LEP is a public private partnership between local authorities and local businesses which sets the local priorities for achieving economic growth in its area. There are thirty-nine LEPs in England, each formed around functional economic areas.

Local ESIF sub-committees In England, the European Growth In England, the European Growth Programme has established thirty-nine local ESIF sub-committees of the PMC, each representing a LEP area. These sub- committees will advise on local policy and operational matters in respect to ERDF and the ESF and part of the EAFRD,26

LEPs and local partners should also work with managing authorities on the development of calls for projects under each operational programme, and strategic fit of funding applications received, based on local ESIF strategies. LEPs are not responsible for administering the funds themselves; this will

26 Membership of all sub-committees includes a broad range of local partners, as required by the Code of Conduct for Partnership (240/2014) set out under the Common Provisions Regulation (1303/2013). For further details please refer to “Local Enterprise Partnership area European Structural and Investment Funds sub-committee Guidance Note (DCLG, May 2015)


27 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/268707/european-structural-and-investment-funds-growth-programme_for_England-esif-terms-of-reference.pdf

Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) The national Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) for the ERDF and ESF Operational Programmes27 has an oversight role in relation to the European Growth Programme as a whole. The LGA, along with LEP representative and other local and national bodies are represented on this committee.

325526


Notes

Local Government Association Local Government House Smith Square London SW1P 3HZ

Telephone 020 7664 3000 Fax 020 7664 3030 Email [email protected] www.local.gov.uk

For a copy in Braille, larger print or audio, please contact us on 020 7664 3000. We consider requests on an individual basis. L15-292

© Local Government Association, July 2015

2014 – 2020: - Local Government Association

Documents

Transcript of 2014 – 2020: - Local Government Association