This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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MacKay Welcomes Committee Conclusion That Euro Funds Will Not Affect Budget
08/11/2000
Scottish Executive Finance and Local Government Minister, Angus MacKay, who also has responsibility for European Structural Funds, today welcomed the conclusion by the Scottish Parliament's European Committee that Scotland's Assigned budget is not losing out through the allocation of European Structural Funds..
Mr MacKay who was commenting on a report by Committee into the operation of Structural Funds in Scotland, said:
"I welcome the general thrust of the report which is a useful and carefully argued record of how the structural funds system works although we will have to study the conclusions and recommendations carefully.
"Structural Funds have a vital role to play in Scotland. Since the amount of funds available to us is reducing because of our economic prosperity relative to Europe, we must make the most of the current round and ensure we derive lasting benefit."
BACKGROUND
Among the conclusions of the Committees report are that:
* there is no evidence to suggest a shortfall in provision by the Scottish Executive for spending in the Assigned Budget
* the ring fencing of resources for Structural Funds is not likely to be in Scotland's interests over the 2000-06 period
* there is little evidence of a significant problem with the provision of match funding for Structural funds projects in Scotland
* the process of allocating Structural Funds to programmes within the UK is relatively transparent and objective
* the flexibility enjoyed by the Scottish Executive in determining the Assigned Budget means that the actual provision for Structural Funds meets anticipated needs.
News Release: SE2881/2000
8 Nov 2000