European & Structural Funds Programme 2014-2020 Opportunities for the VCS [email protected]

Content

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

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European Policy Context Europe 2020 & EU Proposals

Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth 2014- 2020 - 5 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

ENGLAND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS 2014-2020 ESI Funds Growth Programme (ERDF, ESF & EAFRD) Rural Development Programme (EAFRD) Maritime and Fisheries Programme (EMFF)

Opt-in Local Growth Teams

LEPs Community Led Local Development, including Leader and FLAGs 5 Projects

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 Developed Transition Regions More Developed Innovation

ICT

SME Competitiveness Low Carbon

Climate Change Adaptation Environmental Protection Sustainable Transport

Employment Skills Social Inclusion

(At least 20% of ESF must be dedicated to this) Institutional Capacity 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 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.

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);

Still to come … EUROPEAN STRUCTURAL & INVESTMENT FUNDS

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 January HMG negotiates England plans with EU. LEPs finalise ESI strategies UK Partnership Agreement to Commission Early 2014: Local preparation & Operational Programme agreement Mid 2014: ESI funds ‘go live’ Local Growth Fund goes live – alignment EAFRD goes live

For more information

www.gov.uk/government/policies/making european-funding-work-better-for-the-uk economy Lep Engagement Project: A partnership between NCVO and Regional Voices www.europeanfundingnetwork.eu