UK STRUCTURAL FUNDS 2014-2020

- NCVO European Funding Network -

27 April 2012

A COMMON STRATEGIC APPROACH

Europe 2020: EU drive for greater impact, better alignment & stronger accountability

Improved focus and prioritisation to drive faster economic growth

Better co-ordination and integration between EU programmes

Programmes focussed on delivering results and impact

More transparent, efficient, streamlined and simplified delivery systems for beneficiaries

COMMON STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

Opportunity to align substantial investments:

Regional economic development (ERDF) Skills, employment & pre-employment (ESF)

And also: Rural development

(EAFRD – currently part of the CAP) Fisheries (EMFF – currently part of the CFP)

THEMATIC OBJECTIVES COMMON STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

FUNDS1. Innovation and R&D

2. ICT: Improving access; quality and usage

3. SMEs: Improving competitiveness, incl. in the agricultural and aquaculture sectors

4. Shift to low carbon economy

5. Climate change adaptation and risk management

6. Environmental protection & resource efficiency

7. Sustainable transport and unblocking key networks

8. Employment and labour mobility

9. Social inclusion and fighting poverty

10. Education, skills and lifelong learning

11. Improving institutional capacity for efficient public administration (‘Technical Assistance’)

Integrated interventions Geographic flexibility

(eg. National\issue based; pan-regional city-wide; local communities)

Streamlined systems (reduced red tape for beneficiaries in exchange for stronger performance management accountability at Member State level)

Community-led local development (all 4 funds)‘Local Action Groups’ able to draw on all 4 Strategic Framework funds according to an integrated plan.

Joint Action Plans (ERDF & ESF only) Lump sum payments to a single beneficiary up to €10m or 20% of an Operational Programme (whichever is lower) to manage a group of projects aimed at a specific purpose (but not for infrastructure or major projects)

Integrated Territorial Investments (ERDF & ESF only)Urban development or Territorial strategy drawing on a multiplicity of programme strands and programmes. Management can be delegated to a city or NGO.

COMMON STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK -

OPPORTUNITIES

‘LESS DEVELOPED’ REGIONS 2014-2020

GDP/head below 75% EU27 average

75%-85% EU co-financing available for wider range of activities

Safety net” of 2/3 of previous allocation for regions moving ‘up’ and out of this category

At least 25% spend must be from European Social Fund

Likely to be West Wales and the Valleys + Cornwall and Scilly Isles

‘TRANSITION’ REGIONS 2014-2020GDP/head between 75% and 90% of EU27

average60% EU co-financingSafety net” of 2/3 of previous allocation for

regions moving ‘upwards’ into this category

At least 40% spend must be from European Social Fund, of which 70% of each programme must focus on only 4 priorities, with 20% earmarked for tackling social exclusion at national level

80% ERDF to focus on only 3 priorities Likely to include :

– Devon– Lincolnshire– East Yorkshire & N. Lincolnshire– Shropshire & Staffordshire– South Yorkshire – Merseyside – Lancashire– Tees Valley & Durham– Highlands & Islands – Cumbria – Northern Ireland

‘MORE DEVELOPED’ REGIONS 2014-2020

GDP/head more than 90% EU27 average

50% EU co-financing

At least 52% spend must be from European Social Fund, of which 80% of each programme must focus on only 4 priorities

At least 20% ESF to focus on social exclusion at national level

80% ERDF to focus on only 3 priorities:InnovationSME competitivenessLow carbon and energy efficiency (at least 20%)

Regional Aid & Assisted Areas Key tool for achieving Government’s growth

ambitions. UK in active discussions with the Commission to influence the Guidelines for 2014-20

Guidelines to set maximum Assisted Area coverage for each Member State and rules for how Member States can offer aid to companies located in Assisted (ie deprived) areas

Commission to publish draft Guidelines autumn 2012. UK will launch consultation on draft Assisted Areas map – final approval by Commission.

Final Guidelines published spring 2013.

Assisted Areas Map will also determine the overall level of EU and domestic funding that can be paid to a Structural Funds recipient in Assisted Areas under State Aid rules.

KEY QUESTIONS FOR YOU WHAT DO WE WANT TO DO?

WHERE?

WHY?

WHO WITH?

HOW MUCH?

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL IT MAKE?

HOW WILL WE MEASURE SUCCESS?

PLEASE RESPOND TO THE BIS CONSULTATION : structuralfundsnegotiations@bis.gsi.gov.uk