European & Structural Funds Programme Opportunities for the VCS

Content 1.EU Policy Context & Proposals 2.Key Objectives and Priorities in England 4.Progress to date 5.Timetable 6.LEP Engagement

European Policy Context Europe 2020 & EU Proposals Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth EU targets: employment 75%; innovation 3%; education reduce early school leaving by 10%; social inclusion; 20m less people at risk of poverty climate/energy: 20%/ 20%/20% (less greenhouse emissions, more renewable energy, more energy efficiency) -More flexibility to align the funds (Common Strategic Framework, common provisions for all funds) -Thematic concentration, intervention logic, results driven, performance framework and reserve, tougher evaluation -Placed-based approaches (LEPs driven,community-led local development) -Simplification for beneficiaries (standard unit costs, flat rates, lump sums) -Reinforced partnership arrangements -Promoting Equality, combating discrimination and promoting sustainable development are cross cutting themes

EU Proposals_ focus on the VCSE Opportunities 1.Ring fencing for social inclusion/combatting poverty - at least 20% of ESF 2.Social Innovation 3.Bottom-up delivery mechanisms & territorial cohesion 4.Innovative Financial Instruments 5.Focus on the Social Economy 6.Better integration/alignment between Funds 7.Reinforced Partnership arrangements 8.Cross Cutting Themes

5 ENGLAND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS Projects Community Led Local Development, including Leader and FLAGs Maritime and Fisheries Programme (EMFF) Rural Development Programme (EAFRD) ESI Funds Growth Programme (ERDF, ESF & EAFRD) Local Growth Teams Opt-in LEPs

EAFRD contribution to EU Growth Programme £/€: will be know before end of 2013 Key Activities: 1.Building knowledge and skills in rural areas 2.Funding and developing micro, small & medium sized rural businesses; 3.Supporting small scale renewable and broadband investment in rural areas 4.Support for tourism activities

ESI FUNDs GROWTH PROGRAMME -TOP PRIORITIES Thematic Objective Minimum spending levels at national level required by the regulations Less DevelopedTransition RegionsMore Developed Innovation At least 50% ERDF must be spent on these 4 objectives, of which at least 10% on low carbon At least 60% ERDF must be spent on these 4 objectives, of which at least 15% on low carbon At least 80% ERDF must be spent on these 4 objectives, of which at least 20% on low carbon ICT SME Competitiveness Low Carbon Climate Change Adaptation Environmental Protection Sustainable Transport Employment at least 60% of ESF allocation per programme on up to 4 investment priorities within these 4 thematic objectives. at least 70 % of ESF allocation per programme on up to 4 investment priorities within these 4 thematic objectives. at least 80 % of ESF allocation per programme on up to 4 investment priorities within these 4 thematic objectives. Skills Social Inclusion (At least 20% of ESF must be dedicated to this) Institutional Capacity

ESIF Programme Opportunities for the sector 20% of ESF on Social Inclusion and secure match funding; CLLD Social Innovation (both ESF and ERDF) Social Investment and help to retrofit social housing Some volunteer time in ESF possible Informal Learning & Community Grants

Working progress: delivery mechanisms Bidding, commissioning, Opt-ins and some co-finance (NOMS) Community Led Local Development Large and small interventions Innovative Financial Instruments Simplification Match: public (Las, DWP, SFA, BIG, BIS programmes), EIB, private (including volunteer time for ESF & VCSE);

EUROPEAN STRUCTURAL & INVESTMENT FUNDS Local Growth Fund goes live – alignment EAFRD goes live From 8 October National and Local teams ‘assess’ LEPs initial strategies Early November_ feedback to LEPs on initial strategies Oct – Dec LEPs & Government discuss & agree ESI spending plans; EAFRD allocations Early 2014: Local preparation & Operational Programme agreement Mid 2014: ESI funds ‘go live’ Still to come … January HMG negotiates England plans with EU. LEPs finalise ESI strategies UK Partnership Agreement to Commission

For more information european-funding-work-better-for-the-uk- economy Lep Engagement Project: A partnership between NCVO and Regional Voices