This document provides information about European Union structural funds for 2014-2020 and the UK partnership agreement that will govern how these funds are allocated and used. Key points include: the funds will focus on innovation, SMEs, low carbon and other priorities. The agreement will outline targets and programs to align with Europe 2020 goals. It will require stakeholder input and Commission approval. The UK is consulting partners on an integrated approach and reducing administrative burdens to improve efficient fund implementation.

1. Bitesize
Thinking about EU Funding?
Sandra Turner, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
National Council for Voluntary Organisations
Sustainable Funding Project

2. Common Strategic Framework Funds
2014-2020

3. CHANGING TIMES
 Economic landscape
 Concentration of EU investment on top drivers of
EU growth & delivering UK National Reform Plan
 Focus on results
 More flexibility to align EU funds to increase
impact (regional, social, rural and fisheries)
 Simplification

4. 4
Thematic Objectives
Common Strategic Framework Funds
1. Innovation and R&D
2. ICT: improving access, quality and usage
3. SME’s: improving competitiveness, including in the agricultural and
aquaculture sectors
4. Shift to a low carbon economy
5. Climate change adaptation and risk management
6. Environmental Protection and resource efficiency
7. Sustainable transport and unblocking key networks
8. Employment and labour mobility
9. Social Inclusion and fighting poverty
10. Education, skills and lifelong learning
11. Improving Institutional Capacity (Technical Assistance and
capacity building)

5. Specific Provision for ESF_ SCOPE
18 investment priorities ESF contribution to the
in 4 Thematic Objectives other thematic
1.Employment and Labour objectives
Mobility 1.Low Carbon
2.Social Inclusion and
Combatting Poverty (min. 2.Enhancing accessibility,
20% at UK level) use and quality of ICT
3.Education, Skills and
Lifelong learning
3.Research and Innovation
4.Institutional and
Administrative Capacity
4.SME Competitiveness

6. EUROPEAN COMMISSION’s UK PRIORITIES
– STRUCTURAL FUNDS -
 Increasing R&D spend &
‘localising’ impact of national investment
 Improving access to finance for SMEs
 More renewable energy
 NEETS / youth unemployment;
marginalised groups into employment
 Higher level skills
 Official Launch 6 December

7. 7
UK Partnership Agreement
• A business plan for the CSF Funds in 2014-20 providing
clear line of site between Europe 2020 and Programmes.
• Sets out:
– the rationale for the activities we will focus on in the UK;
– the targets for measuring our success; and
– the Programmes and their allocations including how the
Funds can best be integrated
• Separate chapters covering the Devolved Administrations.

8. 8
UK Partnership Agreement:
Content Subject To European Commission Approval
Arrangements to ensure alignment with Europe 2020:
analysis of disparities, development needs and growth potential (TOs,
territorial disparities, NRPs, CSR); ex-ante evaluations key findings (with
justification of selection of TOs and allocations; list of selected TOs and
expected results; indicative allocations by TOs at national level for each of
the CSF funds; number of OPs for ESF and ERDF & EARFRD and EMFF.
Arrangements to ensure effective implementation:
Compliance with the rules on additionality; timetable for fulfilment of ex-ante
conditionalities; performance framework

9. 9
UK Partnership Agreement:
Content Not Subject To European Commission Approval
An integrated approach (es) to territorial development supported by
CSF funds:
National/regional coordination between the CSF funds, Financial Instruments, other
Union and national funding instruments; implementation arrangements for CLLD
and Local Development Strategies; Integrated Territorial Investment; priority
areas for cooperation; integrated approach to address needs of areas affected by
poverty OR target groups at high risk of exclusion; summary of actions to involve
partners.
Arrangements to ensure efficient implementation of the CSF Funds at
OP level:
Needs assessment for reinforcement of capacity (authorities and beneficiaries)
Action to reduce administrative burden for beneficiaries
Assessment of existing Electronic Data Exchange

10. 10
10
Partnership Agreement:
Next Steps
•Developed at national level with close involvement of partners
– Informal consultation for England just closed, Government
response published end June
• Around 187 responses received
• Respondents were local authorities, universities, civil society,
Local Enterprise Partnerships, business representatives
– Partnership Team working with stakeholders to understand
further what is required.
– Formal consultation first half 2013

11. 11
Key messages from informal consultation:
•Integrated and aligned programmes
•Reduced administrative burden
•Flexible programme boundaries
•Place-based programmes
•Fresh thinking on match funding

12. 12
Road shows Nov-Dec 2012
Purpose:
•present ‘direction of travel’ in terms of delivery models
•Stakeholders’ views important
•Opportunity to discuss what should be delivered with the CSF funds
Next steps:
2013: Formal consultation on UKPA (Spring); Ops developed;
Regulations (late 13); negotiations of PA and Ops with Commission.
Mid 2014 (?): Programme start