Government discusses new approach to EU funding
The Government is holding a series of road show events across England to seek views on new proposals for delivering EU funds, including the European Social Fund (ESF), for the next EU spending period (2014-2020).
The road shows are being organised by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), which is leading cross-Government work on the future use of Structural Funds across the UK. Head of Department for Work and Pensions ESF Division Angus Gray will be among those delivering the events.
The road shows commenced in Birmingham on 21 November and call on 11 further locations by 17 December. Local government representatives and other local organisations engaged on the ESF agenda have also been invited to attend.
The events will present the Government’s latest thinking for an EU Common Strategic Framework (CSF) delivery model and invite feedback to inform its further development. The CSF is a new approach aimed at aligning the four main EU funds more closely in order to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness.
The EU funds covered are ESF, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
The financial value of these funds for 2014 – 2020 has not yet been decided, but the Government has been working with stakeholders on a more streamlined mechanism for distributing the funds.
Proposals to be discussed at the road shows include aligning the ERDF, ESF and elements of EAFRD to maximise efficiency to deliver growth, and a role for Local Enterprise Partnerships which would bring together local authorities and local businesses to design and deliverinvestment strategies in local areas.
Following feedback from the road shows on the new model, a formal consultation will be launched in spring 2013.