§ Mr. Concannonasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether there have been any recent changes in the way European social fund money is paid to voluntary organisations which have successfully applied for funding.
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§ Mr. GummerThere have been no changes recently in the way European social fund money is paid to voluntary organisations in particular. However, following a major review of the fund last year, changes will come into effect this year in the way payments are made in general. For most of the fund 50 per cent. of the assistance approved will be payable on the date when the operations are scheduled to begin (or when assistance is approved, if later). The other 50 per cent. will be paid after the scheme has finished.
For allocations made in 1983 and earlier 30 per cent. was due for payment when the scheme began, a further 30 per cent. when the scheme was half-completed and the remainder when the scheme was completed. This method of payment will remain in force only for the 5 per cent. of the fund reserved for innovatory projects.
Payments will continue to be made through the Department of Employment.