Could your project benefit from ERDF funding?

Projects in our region will benefit from more European investment, thanks to a new call for proposals under the Yorkshire & Humber European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme.

Why is Yorkshire Forward involved in EU funding?

Yorkshire Forward is tasked with distributing money from two sources: the UK government and the EU (via the ERDF). It is our responsibility to invest these funds in a way which brings maximum benefit to the region.

Why is a new round of funding available?

The regional ERDF programme was approved in December 2007 and launched in February 2008. A second call for proposals was issued in April 2009, and will remain open until March 2010. The ERDF programme will close in 2013.

How can you find out if you’re eligible?

This current round will be open for bids from a wide range of projects falling within the scope of the prospectus. Full details of the programme, plus the call for proposals and the priority prospectus, are on the ERDF section of the Yorkshire Forward website.

What are the timescales?

The current call for proposals will remain open until 31 March 2010. After that, a revised version of the prospectus will be issued. However, there are two areas where the call is time-limited:

  • Capital funding in Priority 3 is very limited. All proposals under this activity should be submitted by 30 June 2009
  • Energy-efficiency measures in low-income housing also has limited funds and high demand. Proposals for support should be submitted by 30 June 2009.

How much money are we talking about?

The ERDF programme provides €583 million to invest in our region by 2013. €271m is earmarked for South Yorkshire, and €312m for the rest of the region (South Yorkshire has extra resources to help with its transition from its earlier Objective 1 status).

Does it take account of the economic slow-down?

Yes—some significant changes have been made to the focus of the ERDF programme. These include:

  • Flexibility to allow more businesses to benefit
  • The permitting of private-sector match-funding (whether in cash or independently valued land or property) 
  • Some limited site preparation can be undertaken in readiness for private-sector investment (this could include land remediation, and provision of access roads and/or on-site services for sites which will, in future, accommodate premises for businesses targeted by the operational programme)
  • In South Yorkshire, support for public transport infrastructure will be eligible, subject to formal EU approval
  • Around £7.5m will support innovative measures for energy efficiency in low-income housing.
  • Projects are actively encouraged which exploit, or build on, the significant ERDF investment in broadband infrastructure across South Yorkshire.