Cohesion Policy & Structural Funds

For the 2007-2013 period, the South West is eligible for a number of new programmes, which replace the previous Objectives 1, 2, 3 and Community Initiatives (URBAN, EQUAL, LEADER & INTERREG).

These include the Convergence ERDF Programme for Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, which has a total value of €669.4m of which €458m is ERDF, and the South West Regional Competitiveness ERDF Programme (for the rest of the region), which has a total value of €249.3m of which €124.7 is ERDF. More information on both of these programmes is available from the South West Regional Development Agency, which is responsible for managing the implementation and delivery of these two programmes.

There is also an English ESF Programme, with specific measures and ring-fenced funding of £134m ESF (and £44m match funding) for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, whilst the rest of the South West has a ring-fenced allocation of £95m ESF from the central pot matched with £95m from national sources, to give a total value of £190m. The South West Regional Employment and Skills Board is responsible for determining which activities should be supported by this fund.

In January 2010, terms of reference were finalised for the the South West Cohesion Steering Group and for the South West Cohesion Officer Group. The purpose of this group is to lead the development of South West thinking and engagement with Europe on cohesion policy and have an overarching perspective on European working in the region.