Introduction

The South West of England Objective 2 Programme aims to regenerate the economy of the designated Objective 2 areas by providing part-funding for projects which contribute to neighbourhood renewal, business development or provide a better future for traditional economies, particularly tourism.

The information on this page is intended to give an overview of how the programme works and an idea of the types of projects which are eligible for funding.

What is Objective 2?

Objective 2 is a European funding programme for areas with particular structural problems including areas suffering from industrial decline or urban problems, disadvantaged rural areas and fishing areas suffering employment loss

Objective 2 is funded from two sources:

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which provides support for infrastructure projects, research and development, and investment to create and maintain jobs.

European Social Fund (ESF) which provides support for vocational training schemes and job creation measures.

Which areas can get Objective 2 funding?

In the South West, Objective 2 funding is available for the period 2000 to 2006 to an area covering all of North Devon, Torridge, West Devon and South Hams as well as parts of Plymouth, Torbay, West Somerset and Bristol.

Some areas are eligible for "transitional funding" up until the end of 2005:  this includes parts of Plymouth, Torbay, West Somerset and Mid Devon.

What are the programme priorities?

Three ‘Priorities’ have been determined for the Objective 2 programme. Each priority has its own set of measures which specify the types of activities which may be supported.

The priorities are:

Priority 1: Neighbourhood renewal

(Priority 1 is only available in the most deprived wards identified using the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000.)

Priority 2: SME development, technology & innovation

Priority 3: A better future for traditional economies

Projects submitted for funding from any of the three priorities will also need to take account of these themes:

Equal Opportunities
Information Society
Environment

Full details of Priorities and Measures, indicative activities, targets and outputs can be found in the application pack, available from the Government Office for the South West.

What will Objective 2 fund?

Determining exactly what is eligible for Objective 2 funding is extremely complex.  Projects will need to have tangible outputs which contribute to the economic regeneration of the programme area:  these could include creating new jobs, drawing visitors to tourist attractions or business support measures.

There are certain things that are not eligible for European funding.  These include sports, local leisure and cultural facilities, hospitals and social welfare facilities, statutory education, housing, retail developments, car parks (unless part of a wider tourism or industrial scheme), works which are essentially a safety measure, works which are replacing existing facilities, works required to meet statutory obligations or EU directives, works with a domestic end-use and works on routine or essential maintenance of a capital facility.

How much funding can I get for my project?

There is no standard grant rate. Grant will be awarded at the minimum rate necessary for the project to proceed, subject to an overall maximum intervention rate, which varies depending on the nature of the project.

Applicants will need to consider other sources of funding to make up the total:  this is known as matched funding.

Who can apply?

Objective 2 funding is generally allocated to partnerships of public-sector and not-for-profit organisations.  Direct support for individuals or private-sector companies is not usually possible.  However, co-operatives and groups could attract assistance. The involvement of a local authority or other public body within an application is preferred.  Private-sector involvement in Objective 2 can be complicated and advice should be sought.

How long does Objective 2 last?

The South West Objective 2 Programme runs from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2006.  Transitional funding ends on 31 December 2005.  Expenditure must be committed by these dates.  ERDF projects are allowed a further two years to spend the funding committed to them.

How do I apply?

Before completing an application form you should read the Programme Complement - a working manual explaining exactly how Objective 2 funds can be spent and the outputs that will be expected from projects - as well as guidance notes on preparing an application and details of the scoring criteria.

All the information you require is available from the Government Office for the South West.

Where can I find more information?

GOSW - programme management & SPD

List of South West wards eligible for Objective 2 funding