European Regional Development Fund
England has been allocated €3.2 billion between 2007 and 2013 through the European Commission’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The funding supports nine Regional Competitiveness Operational Programmes across England and the Convergence Operational Programme in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. Each Operational Programme was agreed with the European Commission in 2007 and includes targets to support enterprise, job creation, innovation, high tech investment, sustainable development, and equality of opportunity.
Across England ERDF investments have:
- helped over 14,933 new businesses to start of move into the local areas
- created around 62,507 jobs for local people (correct as of March 2014)
The West Midlands ERDF Programme 2007-13 has been allocated €400m by the European Commission, plus match funding from partners, to invest in the region between 2007 and 2013 (n+3). The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is responsible for managing the Programme. The funding has been provided to generate stronger, sustainable economic growth and better jobs:
- Priority 1: Promoting Innovation & Research Development
- Priority 2: Stimulating Enterprise Development
- Priority 3: Achieving Sustainable Development
- Priority 4: Developing Inter-Regional Activity
- Priority 5: Technical Assistance
The National ERDF Handbook provides an overview to the ERDF 2007-13 Programme and guidance for applicants and grant recipients on how to apply for ERDF funding and develop and manage compliant projects. This should be read and used in conjunction with the detailed rules and regulations against which projects are audited.
