Merseyside Objective 1 Programme
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Objective 1 is funding from the European Union; used to help the most deprived areas of Europe. Merseyside is in its second round of Objective 1 funding. Between 2000 and 2006 it will receive nearly £950million in grant funding.
We get the money in two ways:
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
This money is used to make the Merseyside economy more competitive. It can be used to invest in buildings, roads or public realm works. It can also give support for new or existing businesses; and fund projects designed to improve the image of Merseyside. Do you want to know more about ERDF? Find out more information about ERDF on the ODPM website. - European Social Fund (ESF)
ESF invests in the skills and knowledge of the people of Merseyside. ESF helps projects which improve people's job prospects. It includes:- training
- job search
- guidance
- work experience
Find out more information about ESF.
Objective 1 is looked after by Government Office North West. Decisions on how the money is spent are made by the Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC).
The Objective 1 Programme currently supports four key areas:
- Priority 1 : Developing Business
Focusing on business and competitiveness; it aims to create a competitive, knowledge driven economy. The Priority will grow new and existing business and attract inward investment.
- Priority 2 : Developing People
Aimed at developing current and potential workforce on Merseyside; this helps to reduce social and economic differences in the area. It will :
- reduce unemployment
- increase employment and employability
- promote equal access to opportunity.
- Priority 3 : Developing Locations
This Priority will put money into areas which impact the most on economic growth.
It provides funding for economic investment in seven Strategic Investment Areas (SIAs) and Liverpool City Centre; as well as looking at reasons why growth is not happening.
- Priority 4 : Developing Pathways Communities
Priority 4 looks at a package of support to help areas of greatest need (Pathways Communities). Working to reduce social and economic disparity between those areas and the rest of Merseyside.
For full details on the four Priorities; view a full copy of the SPD, bidding documentation and advice and guidance on Objective 1 on Merseyside on the EU & Merseyside website.(In its search engine, type "SPD")
Useful links:
Do you want to know more about Objective 1 across Europe? Have a look at EUROPA - The European Union website.
For more information about what Objective 1 means for Merseyside and how to make a bid, visit the EU & Merseyside website.