The current initiatives are:
EQUAL
This tests and promotes new means of combating all forms of discrimination and inequalities in the labour market, through trans-national co-operation. EQUAL funds the activities of strategic partnerships called Development Partnerships, which operate across 8 themes. The first round of EQUAL funded 76 Development Partnerships in England, Scotland and Wales. The second round of EQUAL will run from 2004 – 07. There will be a further £100m available in the UK for the best, most innovative projects to tackle discrimination in the labour market.
The Managing Authority for EQUAL is the Department for Work and Pensions
LEADER +
This supports small-scale, innovative projects addressing local rural development issues. It aims to involve local communities in developing and testing new approaches to integrated and sustainable development and is intended to complement the ‘England Rural Development Plan.’
The Managing Authority for Leader + is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
INTERREG III
This encourages cross-border, trans-national and inter-regional co-operation on spatial planning. It is intended to encourage harmonious and balanced development of the European Member States. The Initiative runs from 2000 to the end of 2006 and is made up of three strands:
- Interreg IIIA - cross border co-operation between neighbouring authorities on spatial development
- Interreg IIIB - transnational co-operation on spatial planning and development between national, regional and local authorities and a wide range of non-governmental organisations
- Interreg IIIC - interregional co-operation intended to improve the effectiveness of policies and instruments for regional development
The Managing Authority for INTERREG III is Communities and Local Government.
URBAN II
This is designed to support innovative strategies to regenerate cities and declining urban areas. It is financed by the European Regional Development Fund, and runs from 2000-06.
The Managing Authority for URBAN II is Communities and Local Government.
