How To Manage The ESIF Funding Process

Transcription

1 : A guide to EU funding for councils July 2015 edition : A guide to EU funding for councils 1

2 Contents Foreword 4 Funding for Local Growth and Jobs 5 European Structural Investment Funds (ESIF) 5 Figure 1: LEP notional allocations of ERDF and ESF Figure 2: ESIF Good practice checklist 8 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 9 European Social Fund (ESF) 11 Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) 14 Technical Assistance (TA) 14 European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 15 LEADER 17 INTERREG (European Territorial Cooperation) 18 Figure 3: Suite of INTERREG programmes 18 INTERREG VA 19 INTERREG VB 20 INTERREG VC 21 INTERACT 22 Urban Development Network (UDN) 22 URBACT III 22 Urban Innovative Actions 23 Common Agricultural Policy (direct payment to farmers) 23 Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (COSME) 24 Horizon 2020 The EU s framework Programme for Research and Development 24

3 Loans for Regeneration, Businesses and Jobs 27 European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) 27 Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas (JESSICA) 28 Joint European Resources for Micro-to-Medium Enterprises (JEREMIE) 29 Employment and Social Innovation Programme (EaSI) 30 Funding for Transport and Environment 31 Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport 31 City Vitality Sustainability Initiative (CIVITAS) 31 LIFE Natura European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) 32 Funding for Education, Culture and Social Issues 33 Erasmus + 33 Creative Europe 33 Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (REC) 34 Europe for Citizens 35 Asylum, migration and integration fund (AMIF) 35 Consumer programme Key Links 36 Annex 1: How The ESIF Programme Operates 38 Annex 2: ESIF Glossary (for items in bold) 39

4 The contents may be reproduced only for the purposes of internal distribution amongst local authority departments, with acknowledgement of the source. This publication is aimed primarily at councils in England with an interest in EU funds. It does not provide comprehensive coverage of all EU funds, but focuses on the key funding sources that are relevant to councils. It is important for potential applicants to consult the website of the specific fund carefully before applying for any grants or loans. All information contained in this publication is provided in good faith but in no way constitutes legal advice. The LGA can in no way be held responsible for any loss, financial or otherwise, arising from actions taken, or not taken on the basis of the information contained here within. By Russell Reefer and Dominic Rowles, LGA : A guide to EU funding for councils

5 Foreword The 960 billion EU budget for brings a new generation of EU spending programmes over seven years that deliver Europe s political priorities. Councils can access the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), which are managed by UK Government plus numerous other funds which are accessed directly from the EU, such as: Horizon 2020 research and innovation Erasmus+ education Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises A wide range of loan products mostly suited to large scale projects. Against the backdrop of reducing domestic public finances, the funding period provides a range of opportunities, and councils should think creatively in terms of mixing funding sources and working with other bodies in order to deliver great projects. However choosing the right EU fund, finding partners and submitting the right information is a time-consuming and precise task. There is no one standard application process for accessing funding. The various organisations, whether an EU institution or UK Government have varying and exact routes in. With this in mind I am pleased to present this guide tailored to councils in England. I hope it will help demystify the wide range of opportunities and ensure that you do not miss out. Throughout this funding period, LGA will continue to push for closer involvement of councils in funding processes and will aim to keep this guide updated in future to keep pace with programme developments. Cllr Sue Murphy, LGA Resources Board : A guide to EU funding for councils 4

6 Funding for local growth and jobs European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) The UK receives 10.7 billion in ERDF and ESF Structural Funding for , of which 6.9 billion is allocated to England*. This amount is then divided into notional allocations for the 39 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas. Figure 1: LEP notional allocations of ERDF and ESF ** LEP Allocation m Black Country Buckinghamshire Thames Valley 13.8 Cheshire and Warrington Coast to Capital 67.0 Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Coventry and Warwickshire Cumbria 91.0 Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Dorset 47.1 Enterprise M Gloucestershire 38.1 Greater Birmingham and Solihull Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough 75.2 Greater Lincolnshire Greater Manchester Heart of the South West Hertfordshire 69.2 Humber Lancashire Leeds City Region Leicester and Leicestershire Liverpool City Region London New Anglia 94.1 * Note this figure does not include Youth Employment Initiative. If including YEI then the figure is 7.1billion ** LEP areas also have EAFRD allocations which are not included in these figures : A guide to EU funding for councils

7 North Eastern Northamptonshire 54.8 Oxfordshire LEP 19.3 Sheffield City Region Solent 42.9 South East South East Midlands 87.9 Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Swindon and Wiltshire 43.4 Tees Valley Thames Valley Berkshire 28.5 The Marches West of England 68.3 Worcestershire 67.8 York and North Yorkshire 97.1 Further information, including a breakdown of ESIF across the UK is available here: European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are the EU s principal investment policy helping to deliver the objectives of Europe They support key growth priorities including innovation, research and development, support for small- and medium-sized enterprises, low carbon, skills, employment and social inclusion. ESIF brings together four funds. These are: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) European Social Fund (ESF) European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) The first 3 have been brought together into a single EU Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme for England.* Each of the ESIFs operate as a distinct fund with day-to-day running overseen by a respective Whitehall department acting as a Managing Authority (MA) (with locally based teams). (See Annex 1: How the ESIF programme will operate). * only a portion of EAFRD is in the Growth Programme : A guide to EU funding for councils 6

8 Governance and delivery arrangements for ESIF Following successful lobbying, the LGA secured significant gains for the ESIF spending round. These included: new spending instruments allowing greater local delivery formal partnership working between national and local government recognised for the first time in EU rules local level financial allocations for thirty-nine LEP areas across England, local funding plans, local committees and higher levels of local control and decision-making. Each of the 39 LEP areas across England were asked to develop local ESIF strategies outlining how ESIF will be spent locally as part of the LEPs wider Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) based on a number of objectives defined in EU legislation known as thematic objectives (TOs). It was envisaged that local areas would have an equal role with central government in determining which local projects received ESIF funding. However, in spring 2015, the Government reduced local partners status to advisory within the ESIF programme. As it stands councils therefore, LEPs and their partners working through 39 local ESIF sub-committees can provide advice on how well project funding applications fit with local circumstances but cannot ultimately decide themselves on how funds are spent. The Government is adamant that local priorities will shape funding decisions and that local partners will have a strong advisory role in helping develop project pipelines. 1 As of July 2015, London and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been given intermediate body (IB) status. This means they will have more say over how funds are spent locally compared to other cities across England. 2 Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, England s only less developed region, has an Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI). This creates an intergrated pot of money at the local level for sustainable urban development projects. It is made up of funds from ERDF, ESF, LEADER and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Limited IB status has been granted to the eight English core cities to spend 10 per cent of their areas ERDF allocation on Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) actions: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield. The Government will review the position on the governance model in the next twelve months and has agreed to work with local partners during this time to develop proposals for greater local responsibility. 3 The LGA will continue to look for opportunities to increase local influence in the programme to ensure EU funds meet local need, and that local partners have adequate resource to carry out activities. 1 See letter from Government Minister (27 March 2015) content/56/10180/ /article 2 The GLA retains its Intermediate body (IB) status from the Programme this means it undertake most MA activities on Government s behalf in respect of ERDF and ESF programmes. In July 2015, as part of a wider devolution agreement, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were given Intermediate Body (IB) status. This will mean decisions on allocating 603.7m of European funding to projects will now be made locally rather than at Westminster. See: (16 July 2015) 3 Interview with Rt Hon Greg Clark MP Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government LGA First (June 2015). See: : A guide to EU funding for councils

9 Figure 2: ESIF good practice checklist Look at the website of your LEP and make contact with their secretariat. Find out from your LEP what resources might be available, deadlines for applications and any key priorities. Prepare in advance and seek senior management approval in principle so that you are ready to apply when a call for proposals is made on the gov.uk web site. Engage with your local ESIF sub-committee. Decide whether to bid bearing in mind the likely time and resources, involved in establishing partnerships and the match funding which would be needed. Don t be over ambitious in your project application but show how the project will make a difference (eg targets for numbers helped into work). Consider joint bids and cooperation with other partners who might be bidding for funds in case there is potential to submit complementary applications which might be considered favourably. However don t underestimate the time that might be needed to liaise and agree with partners. Set out how the project will be managed and evaluated. Build in project management, evaluation and administration and include appropriate staff costs as part of the bid. Get advice on filling in the form and paperwork required from those who have made a successful bid : A guide to EU funding for councils 8

10 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 3.6 billion (England) 4 It supports local economic growth and is focussed on small and medium-sized enterprises, research and innovation and a low-carbon economy. The fund provides substantial resources to support research and innovation, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and a low-carbon economy. There is also targeted support for investment in broadband, climate change, and the environment. In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, there is also some provision for transport infrastructure. The ESI Funds complement other local growth initiatives such as City Deals, Enterprise Zones, Regional Growth Fund and the Local Growth Fund. An EU city initiative, Sustainable Urban Development (SUD), is available in London and in core regions in England with a minimum population of 600,000: (Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield). This initiative will provide support for integrated urban activities for up to 10% of ERDF in each SUD area via a local funding pot. Community Led Local Development (CLLD) will provide delegated grant support in some deprived areas through community-based partnerships. ERDF in England is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). The nine priorities 5 for the England ERDF programme are: Priority Axis 1 Promoting research and innovation Priority Axis 2 Enhancing access to, and use and quality of, ICT Priority Axis 3 Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs Priority Axis 4 Supporting the shift towards a low carbon economy in all sectors Priority Axis 5 Promoting climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management Priority Axis 6 Preserving and protecting the environment and promoting resource efficiency Priority Axis 7 Sustainable transport in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Priority Axis 8 Promoting social inclusion and combating poverty and any discrimination Priority Axis 9 Technical Assistance - Smart Specialisation Capability First call for projects took place between March and May The English ERDF Operational Programme was formally adopted by the European Commission in June Councils seeking funding should contact their LEP or local Growth Delivery Team (GDT) for advice. 4 Source: 5 Government is also required to include output indicators under each investment priority, using indicators provided by the European omission. Details of these, and the types of interventions that can be undertaken, can be found in the full version of the operational programme, along with information on the performance framework linked to the performance reserve : A guide to EU funding for councils

11 Links 2014 to 2020 European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme, executive summary and supporting annexes: ESIF project calls and detailed local contact information can be found here: European Commission website on ERDF Press Release: Commission gives green light to 3.6 billion EU Structural fund investments with added boost for small business in England newsroom/news/2015/06/commission-gives-green-light-to-eur3-6-billion-eu-structural-fundinvestments-with-added-boost-for-small-business-in-england ERDF supported investment in broadband keeps Cornwall among world s best-connected rural areas Superfast Cornwall, a public and private sector partnership between the EU, BT and Cornwall Council, was launched in The 132m programme has been financed by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Convergence ERDF 2007 to 2013, BT and Cornwall Council, and managed by Cornwall Development Company, the arm s length economic development company for Cornwall Council. The programme has delivered world-leading fibre broadband coverage for a rural area, with 95 per cent of premises forecast to access fibre broadband by the end of June 2015, of which 89 per cent of premises are expected to be able to access superfast broadband speeds of 24mbps. Recent programme evaluation highlights its strong transformational impact on residents and business alike. For example, until superfast broadband arrived, the 2,200 residents of Scilly located 28 miles off the South West tip of Cornwall had relied upon a phone and broadband service provided by a radio link between Lands End and the islands. The Isles of Scilly is now one of the best connected archipelagos in the world. The fast and stable data connection provides a vital link for residents, businesses and visitors to mainland Britain and the rest of the world, its an indispensable tool for the 360 businesses on the island (the highest rate of self-employment per capita in the UK.) Building on these achievements, Cornwall Council has announced a new two phased programme that will aim to extend access to superfast broadband to at least 99% of premises in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. Investment in the first phase of the new programme has been secured from the UK government, through Broadband Delivery UK, Growth Deal and Regional Growth Fund, as well as matchfunding from Cornwall Council. It is anticipated that ERDF will be a principal source of investment for the second phase of the new programme. Further information: : A guide to EU funding for councils 10

12 ERDF - New cable car over River Thames, London A new 1.1 km-long cable car system has opened to the public which links up two parts of east London across the River Thames. The scheme took advantage of a major contribution from the EU s European Regional Development Fund to help pay for all necessary infrastructure including two stations, steel support towers and 36 gondolas. Link: ERDF Social housing retrofit, South East : Retrofit South East developed a model for low-carbon retrofit of social housing. The refurbishment of 14 homes created a focus for networking, dissemination and transfer of knowledge to construction businesses, professionals and policy-makers. The project tested solutions to a range of identified market failure issues, to stimulate the emerging retrofit market. This in turn will lead to the creation of new high-quality jobs in the region, and support energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets. Link: Further ERDF case studies: ERDF projects in England: European Social Fund (ESF) 3.5 billion (England) 6 Aims to improve employment and education opportunities by funding training and skills projects. It also aims to improve the situation of vulnerable people at risk of poverty and promote social inclusion. ESF funding for England is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Approximately 70 per cent of England s ESF funds will be pre-matched with funds from co- financing or opt in organisations such as the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), Skills Funding Agency (SFA), DWP and the Big Lottery Fund (BLF). The English ESF OP should be formally adopted by the European Commission in the summer A stable text has been in place since December 2014 and the first call for projects took place between March and May Councils seeking funding should contact their LEP or local ESF Managing Authority representative for advice. Links Universal Credit and the European Social Fund: A guide to local authority welfare related applications and recent case examples (LGA, 2015) 6 Source: : A guide to EU funding for councils

13 UK government advice on the potential of projects and their eligibility for funding from European Social Fund (ESF), including information on applying for funding in specific regions and detailed local contact information: european-social-fund-2014-to-2020-plans/european-social-fund-2014-to-2020-plans Draft England ESF OP: data/file/354912/esf-operational-programme draft.pdf European Commission website on ESF ec.europa.eu/esf/home.jsp See also Technical Assistance (TA); Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) Links to Co-Financing Organisations (CFO) Department for Work and Pensions Skills Funding Agency (SFA) Big Lottery Fund content/programmes/england/buildingbetter-opportunities National Offender Management Service (NOMS) Bad Boys Bakery: An ESF project for ex-offenders The Bad Boys Bakery was established in a London prison by famous chef and TV personality, Gordon Ramsey. The aim was to provide offenders with skills and experience which would help them get a job on the outside. Thanks to ESF funding through the UK s National Offender Management Service, the bakery now runs as a social enterprise and offers participants on-the-job training that matches catering industry standards. Those taking part have the opportunity to gain qualifications in food production during an eight to 12 week course. So far, more than 100 people have benefited from the programme of activities and training options. Funding has also been made available to help participants buy suitable clothing, including boots and chefs whites. The bakery s care worker also helps inmates deal with issues relating to their release, such as drafting CVs, arranging IDs and setting up bank accounts. A stint in the bakery is proving an effective way of helping people re-integrate into normal life: Almost one in three people has moved on to some form of employment about half of these have gone on to secure jobs in the catering and hospitality industry. In addition, only about 3 per cent of participants have re-offended in the first year since their release well below the national average of 47 per cent. The project ran from 2012 and is ongoing. The ESF contribution was , through the UK Ministry of Justice programme. Links: : A guide to EU funding for councils 12

14 ESF Job Deal Hampshire Job Deal in Hampshire is an ESF employment project that helps ex-offenders find work, supporting them with completing CVs, disclosure and application forms, and improving their interview skills. Job Deal is delivered by a network of expert partners from the public, private and third sectors and provides ex-offenders with individually tailored support to address the barriers to employment. Job Deal is run in the South East by Serco, and is jointly funded by the National Offender Management Service Co-financing Organisation and the ESF. 7,200,000 ESF investment across the South East over four years to December Link: ESF Re-engaging teenagers who are NEET In North London, an innovative project has proven highly successful in reaching out to year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). To get these young people back into work or learning, the initiative combined different actions tailored to individual needs. The programme started with a support worker assessing each candidate on their personal circumstances, skills and interests. Together, they drew up a personalised action plan. A series of tailor-made workshops and skills development sessions followed where a major focus was placed on employability skills. The participants could undertake work experience, attend a CV or interview workshop or brush up on their maths and English. They were then supported into sustained education, employment or training. Special attention was given to supporting girls by assessing and responding to their special needs such as overcoming gender expectations or addressing childcare issues. Participants feedback is overwhelmingly positive: 99 per cent of those surveyed indicated that the project enabled them to achieve their goals. The teachers were brilliant, says one of them. I learnt new skills and now I m pretty confident on what I want to do in the future. As of 2013, 133 participants had already moved into education, employment or training. The target was to have engaged with 413 young people by December The ESF contribution was 730,200. Links: LGA Hidden Talents website : A guide to EU funding for councils

15 Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) 170 million (UK), 3.2 billion (EU-wide) 7 YEI promotes the sustainable integration into the labour market of young people, in particular those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). This is one of the investment priorities for ESF. Significant funding goes to Inner London, Merseyside, Tees Valley & Durham, and the West Midlands. Smaller amounts go to Kingston upon Hull, Nottingham, Leicester and Thurrock. YEI funding was allocated to the respective Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas, to extend provision of apprenticeships, work experience placements and youth entrepreneurship programmes. LEP areas can also choose to develop new youth employment programmes based on their understanding of the local economy. The YEI will operate through ESF programmes or separate YEI programmes in Links UK government news release on YEI: European Commission website on YEI: See also European Social Fund (ESF) Technical Assistance (TA) 277 million (UK) ERDF and ESF English Technical Assistance budget 8 TA is used to ensure that the activities which fall within the scope of the ERDF and ESF Programmes are managed, monitored and evaluated in line with EU rules Government is looking to make up to half of the funds set aside for Technical Assistance available to local partners to support the delivery of their European Structural and Investment Funds Strategies in , subject to the requirements of the European Regulations. The first TA call covering both ERDF and ESF invites applications from projects looking to operate at both a local and national (England-wide) level to support the ERDF and ESF operational programmes. For example, project development activities (up to outline application stage), communications tools such as websites and the sharing of best practice may be supported. The first Technical Assistance call (ERDF&ESF) opened on 20 March 2015 and will end on 30 October There were and are four review points 27 April, 30 June, 1 September and 30 October Source: Source 1: ; Source 2: 8 The Technical Assistance (TA) budget represents around 4 per cent of the overall English ERDF and ESF programme value : A guide to EU funding for councils 14

16 Links Call to run a local or national Technical Assistance project in England european-structural-investment-funds/technical-assistance-call-in-england See also European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); European Social Fund (ESF) European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 3.5 billion (England), 98 billion (EU-wide) 9 Supports schemes to improve the environment, increase the productivity of farming and forestry and grow the rural economy. EAFRD is matched with domestic government money for rural development and delivered through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). The new RDPE has four elements: Environmental schemes ( 3.1bn) around 900m of which will be available under the new Countryside Stewardship scheme for farmers and land managers who voluntarily manage their land in ways that benefit the environment to meet local priorities. Around 2.1bn will pay farmers and foresters who are already in environmental schemes from the previous programme. Countryside Productivity ( 141m) helping the farming and forestry industry to become highly skilled and new farmers to start-up their business. Helping develop world class production and supply chains through working together to use the best new technology and innovation and by collaborating to develop their sectors. Growth Programme ( 177m) helping get new rural businesses off the ground and existing businesses to develop new products and facilities, investing in broadband and renewable energy and promoting rural tourism. LEPs and local partners (including councils) will help decide how to spend funds in their area. The RDPE Growth Programme is being launched in phases. From July 2015 onwards, calls for grants will support: Small and micro-businesses Agri-food businesses Rural tourism development Further calls later in the year will support: Small-scale rural renewables project grants Skills and business advice for rural businesses (from late 2015) Rural broadband grants (from 2016) Processing, mobilising and marketing of forestry products 9 Source 1: page : A guide to EU funding for councils

17 EAFRD is managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The Environmental schemes are delivered by Natural England and the Countryside Productivity and the Growth Programme are delivered by RPA Rural Development. Links UK government formal programme document setting out, in detail, what the Rural Development Programme for England will achieve: publications/rdpe-programme-document-2014-to-2020 European Commission website on Rural Development See also LEADER programme : A guide to EU funding for councils 16

18 LEADER 138 million (England) LEADER is a bottom-up local community approach to delivering the EAFRD whereby local partnerships, called Local Action Groups (LAGs), fund rural development projects in line with a local LEADER strategy. LEADER provides grants for farmers, foresters and rural community enterprises. Many of the projects directly support the rural economy through the creation and development of smaller rural businesses. LEADER also supports cooperation projects and networking among rural development partnerships. In certain areas, LEADER may be delivered via the Community Led Local Development (CLLD) mechanism. At least 5 per cent of the total EAFRD contribution to rural development programmes will be reserved for LEADER in the UK. Councils seeking funding should contact their, LEP, LAG or local Defra rural development team for advice. Links UK government guidance on LEADER approach in the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE),national delivery framework: leader-approach-in-the-rdpe-national-delivery-framework See also European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) Uttlesford s rural economy boosted by development fund Small businesses and community groups across rural Uttlesford will be able to access a 1.8 million fund to assist with growth and development projects. The funding pot, which is also available to rural businesses and groups in East Herts, Epping Forest and North Herts, has been secured by East Herts District Council through Defra and the EU, from summer The Eastern Plateau Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) fund will be managed and administered by East Herts District Council in partnership with the Local Action Group - a locally led group of rural-sector representatives. More than 10 rural business and community projects in Uttlesford benefitted from a similar fund in , with grants awarded ranging from 3,000 to 60,000. The new funding stream is focused towards projects that show business growth and job creation. It will assist projects covering farm productivity, rural tourism, provision of rural services, culture and heritage, forest productivity and business growth. The Council will work with businesses in the district to explore how they can develop and grow their business alongside applying for funding. Link : A guide to EU funding for councils

19 INTERREG (European Territorial Cooperation) At least 865 million (UK) 9.6 billion (EU-wide) 10 Figure 3: Suite of INTERREG programmes Programme Programme type Participating countries Two Seas Cross Border England, France, Belgium, Netherlands England-France (Channel) Cross Border England, France North West Europe Transnational All UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland North Sea Transnational England, Scotland, Germany, Netherland, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway Atlantic Area Transnational England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal Interreg Europe Inter-regional All EU, budget set at EU level and not part of UK allocation URBACT Inter-regional All EU, budget set at EU level and not part of UK allocation INTERACT Inter-regional All EU, budget set at EU level and not part of UK allocation The suite of INTERREG programmes help regions and local areas across Europe to work together to address shared problems in a wide range of fields economic development, environment, research and innovation etc. To secure the funding, working with a network of partners from other EU Member States is required (typically exchanges of experience). The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and offers three types of cooperation programme: Cross-border cooperation programmes (INTERREG VA): along internal EU borders (such as the south and east of England with the North of France). Transnational cooperation programmes (INTERREG VB): within larger definined transnational areas (such as Northwest Europe, Altantic Area, Northern Periphery). Interregional cooperation programmes (INTERREG VC/ INTERREG Europe ): covers the whole EU without any geographical limitations. Link European Commission website on Territorial Cooperation cooperate/cooperation/index_en.cfm 10 Source: : A guide to EU funding for councils 18

20 INTERREG VA cross-border (England France Channel programme etc) 612 million (UK) Projects and networks that tackle common challenges are identified jointly in the border regions. Funding tackles poor accessibility, especially in relation to ICT connectivity and transport infrastructure; declining local industries; an inappropriate business environment; lack of networks among local and regional administrations; low levels of research and innovation and take-up of ICT; environmental pollution; risk prevention; negative attitudes towards the citizens of neighbouring countries; development of cross-border research and innovation facilities and clusters; cross-border labour market integration; and cooperation among education providers, including universities or among health centres. Link INTERREG IVA France (Channel) England Programme website: INTERREG IVA 2 Seas Programme website: Interreg IVA Cross-Channel network of enterprising women promotes exports and business skills More than 200 British and French women entrepreneurs have joined an innovative cross- Channel enterprise network to promote business skills, exports and good practices. The scheme took advantage of a major contribution from France (Channel) England INTERREG IVA cross-border cooperation programme for the 2007 to 2013 programming period. Link : A guide to EU funding for councils

21 INTERREG VB transnational (North West Europe etc) 253 million (UK) Funds integrated territorial development, including maritime cross-border cooperation that is not covered by cross-border cooperation programmes. It focuses on the following thematic objectives: strengthening research, technological development and innovation supporting the shift towards a low-carbon economy in all sectors protecting the environment and promoting energy efficiency. Links Interreg VB Programme website: cooperation/european-territorial/trans-national North West Europe VB Programme website: INTERREG Restoration of minerals sites The RESTORE project, led by the RSPB, and partnering with Surrey County Council, addressed the challenge of environmental degradation by developing a framework for the restoration of minerals sites (quarries), to provide benefits for biodiversity, habitats, local people and the economy. The project, with other partners from across North-West Europe helped to reverse biodiversity declines, protected designated sites, enhanced landscapes, provided green infrastructure and improved the quality of life in the areas involved. The project ran from 2011 until September The ERDF contribution for Surrey County Council was 304,227. Link: : A guide to EU funding for councils 20

22 INTERREG VC / Interreg Europe inter-regional (EU-wide) 572 million (EU-wide) Funds cooperation on urban development, including urban rural links. The programme funds the following priority axes: research, technological development and innovation competitiveness of SMEs low-carbon economy environment and resource efficiency. Under Interreg Europe there are no geographical limits to cooperations. Partners can be from anywhere in the EU. Link INTERREG VC Programme website: INTERREG IVC Promotion of Open Specifications and Standards in Europe (POSSE project) The POSSE project, led by Reading Borough Council, encouraged the use of Intelligent Transport Systems through the transfer of good practice from UK and German experiences to follower cities elsewhere in Europe. It supported the development of Europe-wide open specifications and standards, in the field of road transport management. The project delivered implementation plans which set out how open systems and specifications could be implemented and assisted the follower cities across Europe in delivering their environment policy objectives. The project ran from 2012 to the end of The ERDF contribution was 1.24 million. Link: : A guide to EU funding for councils

23 INTERACT Supports the good governance of European Territorial Cooperation Programmes (INTERREG) themselves, and is aimed at funding the exchange and sharing of ideas and best practice among territorial cooperation programmes. Link INTERACT website Urban Development Network (UDN) Is not a fund, but rather a network run by the European Commission which facilitates the exchange of information and experience on sustainable urban development between cities, Managing Authorities and the EU. It is likely that only England s core cities and London will be eligible to participate in the network (a 600,000 population threshold). Other areas should consider URBAN Innovative Actions and the URBACT programme. There is also a further special network, known as TAIEX which has been launched purely to allow Managing Authorities and Intermediate Bodies across the EU to exchange with each other on the design and delivery of ESIF programmes. Links Urban Development Network (UDN) Website conferences/udn TAIEX - URBACT III 96 million (EU-wide) Funds the exchange of information and experience on sustainable urban development across the EU. It enables cities to work together to develop solutions to major urban challenges. Three types of networks are expected to be funded: Action Planning Networks: exchanges on what works and doesn t work with urban development strategies and action plans. Implementation Networks: exchanges on what implementation actions work best in the context of sustainable urban development. Transfer Networks: 1 lead city with experience in a given field or approach being partnered with 5 or 6 receiving cities who can learn from the approach. Calls will be based on a specific theme (energy efficiency, disadvantaged neighbourhoods etc) in line with the EU s overall Urban Agenda : the emerging overarching EU strategy which will frame all the EU s urban development actions in the future. Link URBACT III website : A guide to EU funding for councils 22

24 Urban Innovative Actions 371 Million (EU-wide) Tests new approaches to the challenges faced by cities, through pilot projects. The aim is to generate knowledge of what works and what does not, why, and what should be done differently. Projects will be selected through calls for proposals with an ERDF contribution not exceeding 5 million per project, a co-financing rate of maximum 80 per cent and project duration of three years maximum. The focus must be experimental and genuinely new (in the EU) i.e. different from a regular ERDF supported urban development project. Applicants should show they have done thorough research and that similar actions have not been funded in a previous round. UIA can be used however to test ideas taken from around the globe (i.e. US/Asia) or perhaps to adapt or add risk to existing ideas and approaches already found within an EU city. The topics of the calls will be defined annually by the Commission. The management of Urban Innovative Actions is delegated to the Nord-Pas de Calais Region, France. Link EU page on Urban Innovative Actions urban-development/portal Common Agricultural Policy (direct payments to farmers) 313 billion (EU-wide) 11 The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims to ensure a decent standard of living for farmers and a stable and safe food supply at affordable prices for consumers. It subsidises the cultivation of a range of agricultural products including: cereal, rice, potatoes, oil, dried fodder, milk and milk products, wine, honey, beef and veal, poultry meat and eggs, pig meat, sheep/ lamb meat, goat meat, sugar, fruit and vegetables, cotton, peas, field beans, olives, hops, flowers and live plants, and animal feed stuffs. CAP direct payments to farmers are known as Pillar 1 of the Common Agricultural Policy and are Administered in England via DEFRA s Basic Payment Scheme. In the UK, the Government moves some Pillar 1 funds into Pillar 2, via a budgetary process known as modulation. This helps to ensure sufficient funds are available for agri-environment measures, increasing the productivity of farming and forestry, and growing the rural economy (Pillar 2 of the CAP). Links: UK government guide to CAP: Government page on the Basic Payment Scheme: publications/basic-payment-scheme-guidance-for-2015 See also the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. 11 Source: : A guide to EU funding for councils

25 Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME) 2.3 billion (EU-wide) 12 This is a new EU programme specifically designed to support SMEs. It funds initiatives that will: improve access to financial instruments improve access to markets (through the Loan Guarantee Facility and the Equity Facility for Growth) support entrepreneurs improve conditions for competitiveness. Link Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (COSME) webpage Horizon 2020 The EU s framework Programme for Research and Development 77 billion (EU-wide) 13 Horizon 2020 is the EU s fund for research and innovation. It helps universities and research laboratories to take their ideas to the market. Bottom-up activities will be strengthened, allowing Europe s brightest and most creative minds to propose their own solutions. Local authorities are unlikely to be lead research organisations, but can help with testing activities and citizen feedback on issues such as ICT, environmental projects, and new transport technologies. Local authorities have therefore been part of such EU-funded research projects in the past. Programmes supported by H2020: Active & Assisted Living (AAL) Support older adults to live longer in their homes with the contribution of ICT based solutions. Climate Action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials Activities in this Challenge will help increase European competitiveness, raw materials security and improve wellbeing. Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (ECSEL) The ECSEL JTI will contribute to the development of a strong and globally competitive electronics components and systems industry in the Union. Energy-efficient Buildings PPP The Energy-efficient Buildings PPP promotes green technologies and the development of energy efficient systems and materials in new and renovated buildings. 12 Source: 13 Source Page 44: A Beginner s Guide to EU Funding: Source : A guide to EU funding for councils 24

26 Programmes supported by H2020 (continued) Energy Our key area of activity is the Horizon 2020 Secure, Clean and Efficient Energy Challenge which covers energy research, demonstration, innovation and market transformation. EUREKA Eurostars first European funding and support programme to be specifically dedicated to SMEs. Europe in a changing world inclusive, innovative and reflective societies Focuses around three intertwined areas of inclusive, innovative and reflective societies. European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Aims is to increase innovation capacity and to boost capability in converting research outputs into high-value products and services. ERANETS European Regional Area NETworks Improves the coordination and cooperation of regional and national programmes by making single themed, open calls. The calls are in specific sectors and themed areas of science and technology. European Research Council (ERC) Funds ambitious frontier research proposals submitted by a Principal Investigator (PI) in any area of research and without predefined thematic priorities. Factories of the Future PPP A research programme with a 1.2 billion budget to support the manufacturing industry in the development of new and sustainable technologies. Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine and Maritime and Inland Water Research and the Bioeconomy A transition is needed towards an optimal and renewable use of biological resources and towards sustainable primary production and processing systems. Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) A non-prescriptive and supports novel and visionary ideas. Health Healthcare projects should look to achieve effective health promotion and disease prevention, thus contributing to wellbeing. Industrial biotechnology and eco-innovation Funding opportunities exist for Industrial Biotechnology R & D projects. In particular, in sectors such as food and feed, chemicals, textiles, detergents, paper and pulp, and bioenergy. Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) Horizon 2020 s Societal Challenges recognize ICT as the key technology underpinning today s connected world. Marie Curie Actions Available to researchers regardless of their nationality or field of research. Scientists have the possibility to gain experience abroad and in the private sector. NMP (Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials and Advanced Manufacturing and Processing) Nanotechnologies, advanced materials and advanced manufacturing and processing. This area of Horizon 2020 focuses on new opportunities for industrial leadership : A guide to EU funding for councils

27 Programmes supported by H2020 (continued) Research Infrastructures Research Infrastructures help advance knowledge and technology in the search for solutions to global challenges. The Research Infrastructures Programme creates opportunities for researchers and others. Science with and for Society address the societal engagement in research and innovation from many perspectives, such as encouraging dialogue between scientists and other members of the public. Secure Societies Protecting freedom and the security of Europe and its citizens is the seventh of Horizon 2020 s Societal Challenges. Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) This instrument is intended to help innovative SMEs who can show a strong ambition to grow and to develop through international collaboration. Space research The European Union s space programme s aims are to promote scientific and technical progress and industrial competitiveness and to support the implementation of EU policies. Spreading excellence and widening participation Maximising investment in research and innovation will enable the European Research Area to function in a more streamlined and homogeneous way, allowling the individual strengths of each Member State to be optimised. Transport The smart, green and integrated transport programme aims to achieve a European transport system that is resource-efficient, climate- and environmentally-friendly, safe and seamless for all people (see also CIVITAS) Links UK Horizon 2020 website: EU Horizon 2020 website: : A guide to EU funding for councils 26