The Bristol Objective 2 Action Plan Is being part-financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund & European Social Fund) Paul Owens, Objective 2 Project Manager Tel: Website:
Lise Smith – Objective 2 Action Plan Development Worker Tel This Bristol Objective 2 Action Plan is part financed by the European Union European Social Fund and European Regional Development Fund
Introduction EU Funding - Overview Bristol and EU Funding Conclusions Question and Answer
European Funding (Regeneration) Overview
European Commission Budgets % GDP (all member states) Approx €100,000,000,000 p.a. Approx £64bn p.a.
Cohesion Fund To strengthen economic and social cohesion Currently restricted to: –Greece, Spain, Ireland, & Portugal Criteria: –Per capita GNP <90% Community average –+ Have a programme of economic convergence For environment and trans-European transport infrastructure networks (intervention at up to 85% public costs)
Structural Funds European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) primarily supports productive investment, infrastructure, and SME development (58%) The Guidance Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF – Guidance Section) supports measures for the adjustment of agricultural structures and rural development (9%)
Structural Funds European Social Fund (ESF) supports measures to promote employment (education systems, vocational training, and recruitment aids) (31%) Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) supports measures for the adjustment of structures in this sector (2%)
Targeting of the Structural Funds Priority Objectives (94% of SF’s)
Objective 1 “development and structural adjustment of regions who’s development is lagging behind” GDP <75% Community average, and perform poorly on a range of other economic indicators 22% of European Community’s population covered
Objective 2 “economic and social conversion of areas facing structural difficulties” 18% of European Community’s population covered
Objective 3 “adaptation and modernisation of policies and systems of education, training, and employment” Everywhere in EU, except Objective 1 areas.
Community Initiatives (5% SF’s) INTERREG III cross-border trans-national and interregional cooperation (ERDF) URBAN II regeneration of urban areas suffering from economic and social conversion difficulties (ERDF) EQUAL combating discrimination and inequalities in connection with the labour market (ESF) LEADER+ rural development through innovative local projects (EAGGF)
How It Works Regulations adopted for Programming Period ( ) The Council of the European Union - £ per country and population coverage Governments bid for status Negotiate with the Commission ££ awarded to regions Regions/areas produce programme documentation
How It Works - cont’ Programmes submitted to Commission via Member State government and negotiations Approved Programmes administered via Member States Approval of individual projects within Programme made at regional/area level
Regional Objective 2 Funding Programme Objective 2 Programme launched March 01 Targeted at the most economically and socially disadvantaged areas in the region Provides financial assistance from the European Community Promote economic regeneration for targeted deprived areas in the South West
Regional Objective 2 Funding Programme Approximately £120m available for South West GOSW responsible for day to day running of the programme Funding allocated between 3 priorities which are set out in the Single Programming Document (SPD)
3 Priorities 1. Neighbourhood Renewal 2. SME Development, Technology and Innovation 3.A better Future for Traditional Economies
Cross Cutting Themes Ensure that minority groups gain access to better quality opportunities to enhance their employment prospects in the future Promote the use of information and communication technology within the Bristol Objective 2 area Ensure that enhancements to economic performance are of added benefit to the local environment
Bristol Neighbourhood Action Plan Bristol Neighbourhood Action Plan solely delivers projects under Priority 1 – NR Measure 1.1 – neighbourhood Ownership, leadership and democracy (ERDF) Measure 1.2 – Taking forward neighbourhood regeneration (ERDF) Measure 1.3. Pathways to employment (ESF)
Why an Action Plan? Developed in order to effectively deliver part of the South West Objective 2 Programme – at a local level. Local ownership and control Strategic integrated and coherent framework for joined up delivery Simple, effective, and innovative delivery
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES The Action Plan has 3 strategic objectives which are directly related to the three measures under the Priority 1: Neighbourhood Renewal. 1.Develop potential of the local community (ERDF) 2.Address social, economic, environmental decline and disadvantage (ERDF) 3. Remove barriers to employment and training for disadvantaged groups (ESF)
Action Plan Targets % of Regional Programme level targets Outputs Results Impacts
Funds available… £6,670,597 ERDF & ESF towards investment of £13,689,001 in the Bristol Objective 2 area until December 2004 Funds to be Spent by Dec 06
Application Process Two stage application process: Outline Application: 6 sides, deadlines 4 times per year, application considered by Partnership Support Group Full Application: More complex ERDF/ESF application form and Business Plan, monthly deadline, applications considered, after full appraisal, by local partnership
St Paul’s Community Wardens Scheme Applied under Strategic Objective:- Addressing social, economic and environmental decline and disadvantage Approved – March 2002 ERDF Funding - £84,722 Outputs – 1 environmental output
CEED New Media Training Applied under Strategic Objective:- Remove barriers to employment and training for disadvantaged groups Approved – June 2002 ESF Funding - £95,350 Some Outputs – 240 people assisted and trained 240 people trained in ICT, all working towards a qualification 15 trainers trained
URBAN Community Initiative 1 Allocation - £3.6 million Targeted – inner city wards of Ashley and parts of Easton & Lawrence Hill Main Focus - training and employment prospects of the local community
3 Priorities of URBAN 1 1.Launching new economic activities 2.Developing local capacity 3.Improving prospects for local employment
Bristol Foyer (ERDF) Bristol Bridge Designed to help Bristol’s yr olds learn and develop job skills State of the art IT and training facility Aims to have 150 trainees placed in employment and housing within first 5 yrs.
URBAN Community Initiative 2 Funding available until 2006 Allocation – £6.6 million Funding divided between: Our Work - £1.6m Our Place - £2.8m Our Future - £1.7m Technical Assistance – £0.5m
Conclusion Brings forward projects which otherwise would not happen but: Complex process Match-Funding Record keeping /Regional targets Competitive bidding 2006 end date
European Regional Development Fund