D2N2 Future ESIF Calls – position update October 2016
Following the communication from HM Treasury and a further update from the Chancellor last month, D2N2 have continued to plan and prepare future calls under the 2014-20 ESIF programme. This planning currently extends to activity up to 2021. This planning does not guarantee that activity will take place but all stakeholders, including Managing Authorities (DCLG, DWP and DEFRA) continue to plan on the basis that it may. The most recent communication from DCLG is given below:
Dear LEP Area ESI Funds sub-committee Chairs,
I have just written to Growth Programme Board members about the Chancellor’s announcement.
In his conference speech today, the Chancellor set out that the guarantee for ESIF-funded projects announced in August will be extended to the point at which the UK departs the EU. This will provide further certainty to those organisations bidding for EU support whose projects meet domestic strategic priorities and deliver value for money. Where projects secure EU funding before we exit, payments will be guaranteed even after Britain has left the EU. Each Government department will have responsibility for the allocation of money to projects in line with these conditions and the wider rules on public spending. The press release can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/further-certainty-on-eu-funding-for-hundreds-of-british-projects
We will therefore continue to work with partners to prepare further calls and funding agreements in line with the requirement to demonstrate value for money and fit into domestic spending priorities. In the meantime the information that we are currently gathering on post Autumn Statement activity will greatly assist in our planning next steps.
Regards
Julia Sweeney
Director, European Programmes and Local Growth Delivery
Department for Communities and Local Government
Further commitment was also provided in a letter to D2N2 ESIF committee Chair, Peter Richardson – a copy of which can be viewed here.
D2N2 submitted an outline call schedule by the deadline of 7th October, which included prioritisation of the Active Inclusion Community Grants Programme, community-level Low Carbon activity and continuation of a range of youth, skills and employability programmes relevant to VCS delivery.
We continue to expect firm commitment moving forward within the Autumn Statement; 23rd November 2016. D2N2 will seek to keep stakeholders informed as further information becomes known.
