Eligible Programme Areas
Objective 2 funds have been allocated to specific targeted areas. The Programme is divided into two parts:
Core Programme Area
Areas eligible for Objective 2 ERDF and ESF support from 2000 to 2006.
Transitional Programme Area
Areas that previously benefited from the Objective 5b Programme (1994-99) that are eligible for transitional ERDF support through to 2005.
Further detailed information on eligible areas can be found on the Local Area Groups/Local Area Frameworks page on this website.
Programme Strategy
The Single Programming Document (SPD) (note: 4.5MB) sets out in detail the economic and social context for the Programme and the strategy developed to address these issues in the eligible Programme areas. A copy of the SPD can be obtained free of charge from the European unit at GO-East or can be downloaded by using the link provided below (note: very large document of 374 pages including maps and other graphics). Alternatively, a summary of the document (8 pages) can also be downloaded.
The Programme strategy has resulted in the development of the following Programme Priorities (actions to achieve the Programme strategy):
Priority 1 - Support for SME Creation, Growth and Development (ERDF & ESF)
Priority 2 - Developing Key Locations, Clusters and Sectors (ERDF & ESF)
Priority 3 - Community Economic Regeneration (ERDF and ESF)
Working in Partnership
Each of the eligible Programme areas has a Local Area Group (LAG) supported by an area based Objective 2 Programme Facilitator. Membership of each LAG is made up of representatives from key local organisations such as Local Authorities, Further and Higher Education, Community and Voluntary Groups. Each LAG has produced a Local Area Framework (LAF), which sets out the strategy for utilising Objective 2 funds to achieve economic regeneration in the local Programme area. Local Area Frameworks are reviewed on an annual basis. All project applications are first considered by the LAG in the context of the Local Area Framework before submission to Government Office for appraisal and consideration by the Objective 2 Operating Group.
Mid-Term Evaluation
An independent assessment of the performance of the Programme to the mid-term point and relevance/effectiveness of the Programme strategy was completed in September 2003 via the Mid-Term Evaluation.
Programme Performance
By the end of December 2005 the Programme is required to have claimed from the European Commission around £53.4m Objective 2 ERDF and £4.9m. Objective 2 ESF to avoid de-commitment of funds from the Programme. Regular reports on progress are provided to the East of England Structural Funds Strategy Group and the Objective 2 Operating Group.
Applying for Objective 2 funds
Initial enquiries about possible funding (which must be for projects in the Core and/or Transitional areas) should be made to the appropriate Local Area Facilitator for the area concerned.
The majority of funding from Objective 2 has now been allocated to approved projects.
European Structural Fund Celebrate Awards
Celebrate Awards launched to mark East of England success stories, to be held 20 October 2005 at Chilford Hall, Cambridgeshire.
