There are a vast number of European programmes to which applications can be made for funding many of which require partnerships with other countries in order to learn from each other and share experiences. There are also two national programmes known as the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through which Darlington has been very successful in securing funding during the period 2000-2006. Although this programming period has now ended, there are still some monies available through ESF Co-financing from the Learning and Skills Council and Jobcentre Plus. Interested parties should refer to these websites for information about pending bidding rounds.
Currently there are a number of changes underway following the closure of the 2000-2006 programme in anticipation of the 2007-2013 programme commencing. The programmes for the period 2007-2013 have not yet received formal approval from the European Commission and therefore it is likely that they will not commence until later this year or early 2008. There will not however, be anymore Objective 1, 2 or 3, which existed previously although the next programmes will include new priorities and we can report on the following developments to date:
European Social Fund (ESF)
The UK Operational Programme has been sent to the European Commission and the ESF Framework for Action was submitted in August 2007 outlining the priorities for the North East region. Regional Skills Partnerships are now being set up to take a leading role in their development. The programme has two main priorities:
- Extending Employment Opportunities - to increase employment and reduce worklessness
- Developing a skilled and adaptable workforce - increasing basic skills and levels 2, 3 & 4.
As all of the forthcoming ESF budget will be delivered through Co-financing, applications were recently invited from organisations around the region interested in becoming Co-Financing bodies. This means they will be given ESF funds to be matched against their own budgets so that applicants can apply for 100% funding from the same source. Expressions of interest were submitted and currently these organisations including LSC and JCP are working up delivery plans. The managing authority, ONE North East, will announce decisions on the successful Co-financing bodies hopefully later this year.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
The UK Operational Programme consultation ended in April 2007 and has been sent to the Commission for approval. Subject to endorsement, funds will be available to be directed to two priorities including:
- Enhancing and exploiting innovation
- Business growth and Enterprise
Anyone interested in finding out more about the ESF and ERDF programmes or any other opportunities for European funding should contact the European officer on (01325) 388683.
Current European Funded projects associated with Darlington Borough Council
Citizens for Europe Fund
The Darlington and District Town Twinning Association recently received funding from the Citizens for Europe Programme to hold a meeting in Darlington for young people aged 14-16 to undertake an international youth football tournament. Twinning partners included teams from Mulheim an der Ruhr in Germany, Kuusankoski in Finland and Opole in Poland. The young people met over four days where they competed in a football tournament, took part in a youth conference and interacted through a number of games to learn about each other’s culture and European citizenship. The project was a resounding success with plans for another event next year in Germany.
Youth In Action fund
Darlington Youth Services have been working with a group of young people who applied for funds to undertake an Intergenerational project. The scheme is investigating the similarities, differences and social exclusion issues between young people and the ageing community in Darlington. The project produces a DVD created by the young people to be used as a learning tool for personal development classes in schools and colleges across the Tees Valley.
View information about Intergenerational Project
ERDF
Darlington Railway Centre and Museum has received over £388k from ERDF to assist with the costs of re-furbishing the Centre and Museum. This together with several other funds is paying for a three-stage refurbishment programme including replacement of the roof, internal refurbishments and the production of interactive interpretation displays for visitors to enjoy.