1. Cutting the Red Tape

2. Peter Smith Head of European Programmes Government Office for the North East 1. Introduction A practitioner – Objectives and 3 (746m euro) 5 th generation of Programmes (1bn+ euro) Personal views

3. Cutting the Red Tape 2. Overview Sample of partners Experience What is red tape: “real” v “perceived” What can be done?

4. Cutting the Red Tape 3. New Regulations 2007-2013 Fewer Community Initiatives No Programme Complements No core and transitional areas (Obj 2) No Measures BUT, New layers in the process: CSG and NSRF Lisbon Earmarking

5. Cutting the Red Tape 4. Problems: regional partners Length of forms 30-40 pages Retention of paperwork “Target obsessive” programmes ERDF & ESF - different systems Synchronise EU & domestic timescales, documents

6. Cutting the Red Tape 5. Monitoring and audit Words to fear: article 4 EU audits: each visit brings changes e.g. ESF forms 3 times 2000-06 Audit rules should be those in place at time of appraisal Much more complex than domestic regimes

7. Cutting the Red Tape 6. Problems: programme managers Financial tables: No Retroactive Changes Match funding (public, private) Timescales – modifications

8. Cutting the Red Tape 7. Remedies Align processes Reduce the number of intermediaries Staff: Training, Expertise & Continuity Proportionality I.T. and e-processes Keep outputs simple Fewer, larger…avoid transactions …and communicate

9. Cutting the Red Tape 8. Communicate Plain English Write it down – not verbal Consistency of message: e.g. between appraisal and monitoring Challenge for Programme Managers – partners must understand Programmes

10. Cutting the Red Tape 9. Who can reduce red tape? European Commission – Use the review meetings Managing Authority - Get out more Programme managers Seek feedback Look at documents Use evaluations

11. Cutting the Red Tape 10. Conclusions Flexibility Clarity Consistency Proportionality Communication