Published on July 10, the new map replaces a seven-year old one, which under EU rules will expire on January 1 2007. The map, which will apply until 2013, was created following a full first stage consultation and will be subject to further consultation over the next four weeks.
In the UK, the percentage of population covered by the map will be reduced from 30.9 per cent to 23.percent. This is partly because of Britain’s strong economic performance and partly because aid has been redistributed to the poorer areas of the now enlarged Europe. In the East of England, it is proposed that coverage will reduce from 5 per cent to 3 per cent and Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth will lose their assisted area designation but parts of Luton and Dunstable retain their special status.
Government Offices for the Regions are handling responses to the consultation on behalf of DTI. Regional stakeholders have until 6pm on 7 August to make their views known to the Regional Productivity Team in GO-East.
