§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much aid has been received by the Eastern Region from EU sources in each of the last 10 years, broken down by(a) aid category and (b) area receiving aid. [167077]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe only EU funding source the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is responsible for is the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), one of the European Structural Funds. The Eastern region has benefited in the last 10 years from three of the Structural Funds, which are the ERDF, the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). (The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for the ESF and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs for EAGGF.) The detailed figures are tabled as follows.
1994–99 Programmes:
Total receipts from the EU during the 1994–99 period amounts to £117.7 million.
879W
Programme Purpose Amount Area covered The Leader II Programme To help local communities to develop the economies of their area, and to improve their environment and cultural life. £1.2 million ERDF Breckland, 8 wards in Lowestoft and the areas given transitional status in the subsequent Objective 2 programme (the Fens, Rural East Suffolk and parts of Central Rural Norfolk) £50,000 ESF £135,000 EAGGF The Objective 3 Programme Targeted the unemployed £63.2 million ESF National programme, so entire region eligible. The Objective 4 Programme Aimed at up-skilling the employed workforce £10.2 million ESF National programme, so entire region eligible. 2000–06 Programmes:
Allocation from EU £315 million.
Programme Purpose Amount of ERDF allocated Spend as at Area covered The East of England Objective 2 Programme For economic regeneration £100 million ERDF £28.5 million (23 April 2004)1 Breckland, Luton, North Norfolk, Southend, Waveny
and Great Yarmouth the Fens, Rural East Suffolk and parts of
Central Rural Norfolk
£9 million ESF The Urban II Programme (Peterborough) Initiative to tackle urban deprivation. £6.7 million ERDF £1.024 million (23 April 2004)1 Seven wards in Peterborough The Leader + Programme To encourage new approaches to rural development £2.85 million EAGGF £0.307 million (23 April 2004)1 Broads and Rivers The Fens The Innovative Actions Programme To test an innovative approach leading to achievement of more balanced regional development and a stronger regional identity. £1.6 million ERDF £0.45 million (23 April 2004)1 All areas of the region are eligible. 1Date of last available data.