The Government is launching an informal consultation to seek views from businesses, local communities and other organisations on how EU Structural Funds, Rural Development Funds and Fisheries Funds can be used to support growth in England.
Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk said: “As well as providing direct economic investment, these funds also provide valuable support to the management of the natural environment in England in both rural and urban areas.
“This informal consultation will allow us to hear the views of industry and stakeholders on what our approach should be to ensure these funds drive growth across the country.”
Businesses, local authorities, voluntary groups, non-government organisations, universities and local enterprise partnerships are being asked for their views on how the Government can more effectively exploit the funds to drive growth and create jobs.
The European Commission proposals for the next funding round (2014-2020) are still subject to negotiation, but the key changes proposed will allow much greater flexibility to tailor the funds to the specific economic challenges faced in different areas. The Government wants to ensure there maximum potential value is obtained from the EU money for taxpayers.
