A call for proposals for projects seeking investment from Yorkshire and Humber’s ERDF Programme issued

31/03/2009

The Yorkshire and Humber ERDF programme has issued a new Call for Proposals for projects in the region seeking investment from the European Regional Development Fund.

The call is seeking project proposals across the wide range of eligible actions that are described in a prospectus which identifies activities that will deliver the region’s ERDF Operational Programme.

This Programme will be open for bids for projects within the scope of the prospectus until 31 March 2010, at which point a revised version will be issued.

Some significant changes to the focus of Programme activities have been made in response to the economic downturn:

  • Some flexibility has been introduced to allow more businesses to benefit from the support funded through the Programme”
  • Private sector match funding is being permitted where it is either cash or independently valued land or property.
  • Some limited site preparation in readiness for the private sector to invest can be undertaken. This could include land remediation, and provision of access roads and/or on-site services for sites that will, in future, accommodate business premises for businesses targeted by the Operational Programme.
  • In South Yorkshire, support for public transport infrastructure will be eligible, subject to formal Commission approval.
  • Investment in energy efficiency measures for housing – around £7.5m will support innovative measures for energy efficiency in low-income housing.
  • Projects which exploit or build on the significant ERDF investment in broadband infrastructure across South Yorkshire (“Digital Region”) are actively encouraged.

This call for proposals is on a rolling basis. 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, when they will be considered together and judged for the best value for money in terms of delivery of the Programme’s objectives.
  • Energy efficiency measures in low income housing also has limited funds and high demand. Proposals for support should be submitted by 30 June 2009. Proposals will be considered through competitive selection based on deliverability, innovative approaches, impact on deprived areas and job creation potential, so enquiries should include detail on these criteria.

Drop-in sessions have been arranged in April to allow people with project ideas to discuss them with members of the ERDF team. The sessions are being held in Yorkshire Forward’s offices in Bradford, Hull, Wath and York as follows:

  •  York – Thursday 23rd April 10 am – 4pm at Yorkshire Forward, Spitfire House, Aviator Court, Clifton Moor, York YO30 4GY
  • Hull – Monday 27th April 10am – 4pm at Yorkshire Forward, 5 Marina Court, Castle Street, Hull , HU1 1TJ
  • Bradford – Tuesday 28th April 10am – 4pm at Yorkshire Forward, Mercury House, 4 Manchester Road, Bradford, BD5 0QL
  • Wath – Wednesday 29th April 10am – 4pm at Yorkshire Forward, Renaissance House, Adwick Park, Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham, S63 5NB

 Ends

Yorkshire and The Humber ERDF Programme 2007-2013

The regional ERDF Programme, approved in December 2007 was launched in February 2008.

The programme is managed by Yorkshire Forward on behalf of a regional partnership including the National Government, European Commission and Regional bodies.

The programme provides €583 million from the European Regional Development Fund to invest in the region by 2013 with €271m 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.

Further information about the ERDF Programme in Yorkshire and The Humber is available at www.yorkshire-forward.com/erdf

Information about the ERDF in England is available at www.erdf.communities.gov.uk

Information about the European Union’s support for regions policy is available at www.ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.htm

For all media enquiries please contact Richard Holmes 07870 525950/ richard.holmes@yorkshire-forward.com