Teams in the Government Offices administer four main funds, each of which has a Government department as its managing authority:
The European Regional Development Fund
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) aims to improve economic prosperity and social inclusion by investing in projects to promote development and encourage the diversity of industry, in areas lagging behind the European average. This fund is available to areas agreed by the European Union as having ‘Objective 1’ and ‘Objective 2’ status.
The managing authority for the ERDF is Communities and Local Government, although Government Offices have devolved responsibility for its day-to-day management through regional programmes.
Information can be found on Communities and Local Government's and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) websites using the links below. They contain facts and information about ERDF in England and State Aid.
www.communities.gov.uk/citiesandregions/european/europeanregionaldevelopment/
www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/businesslaw/state-aid/index.html
Communities and Local Government is introducing a new web-based system and streamlined processes for managing the fund in all programme areas. This new system TESA will, once operational, allow core ERDF activities such as submitting and appraising applications, and making claims and payments to be carried out online and authorised electronically. This will make processes faster and more efficient and lower the volume of paperwork.
If you’d like to know more please visit the programme website at www.tesaproject.co.uk or email the project team at: tesa@communities.gsi.gov.uk
The European Social Fund
The European Social Fund (ESF) funds training, human resources and equal opportunities schemes to promote employment opportunities for people in both ‘Objective 1’ and ‘Objective 3’ areas. In ‘Objective 2’ areas, ESF may be used to complement the ERDF projects.
The Managing Authority for the ESF is the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
For more information visit the European Social Fund website.
The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund
The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) is available in rural ‘Objective 1’ areas to encourage restructuring and diversification, promoting economic prosperity and social inclusion, whilst protecting the environment and our rural heritage. In areas not awarded ‘Objective 1’ status, the EAGGF (Guarantee section) provides funding within the ‘England Rural Development Plan’.
The Managing Authority for the EAGGF is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance
The Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) funds projects to modernise the structure of the fisheries sector and related industries. Where necessary, it encourages the diversification of the workforce and fisheries industry into other sectors. It aims to ensure the future of the industry through achieving a balance between fisheries resources and their exploitation.
The Managing Authority for the FIFG is Defra.
Government Office staff administer these funds in a number of ways:
- ensuring that funds are allocated and spent on the right things, in the right place, at the right time in accordance with regulations
- processing project applications from their receipt to final payment
- assisting potential applicants, partnerships, and other organisations to make the best use of the available funds by helping to develop and deliver programmes in a way that will secure the maximum sustainable economic benefits
- advising local partnerships on how to access the funding and of any support mechanisms that are available for putting applications together
- reporting progress for Communities and Local Government and the European Commission and facilitating monitoring and evaluation of the programmes
- ensuring that appropriate publicity and information is available to beneficiaries and the wider public about the way in which the funds are contributing to improving the quality of life
