'Shadow Round ' funding arrangements
Shadow round
It is now clear that Operational Programmes in Scotland, like those in other parts of the EU and the UK, will not be approved and running by the start of 2007.
Although every effort has been made by the Executive to try and achieve this, it has proved to be a challenging task, not least as a result of the delay in completion of the UK-wide consultation on the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF).
A late start to 2007-13 Programmes presents a number of difficulties for some Structural Funds partners in Scotland and the services they deliver, especially those responsible for projects dealing with vulnerable client groups, such as the voluntary sector. To minimise the disruption we are committing ourselves to providing funding to some projects supporting these vulnerable groups to mitigate delays in future programme decisions - in effect, we will setting up a 'shadow' round of the new programmes. As previously stated, £12 million is being made available for the round - £10 million for Lowlands & Uplands Scotland, £2 million for the Highlands & Islands. The shadow round will only apply to Priority 1 in the two new European Social Fund (ESF) Programmes which focus on vulnerable client groups.
The arrangements will entail considerable financial risk to the Executive, as Programmes will not have been formally approved by the Commission by this stage and there is no guarantee that they will agree to all of the projects we decide to fund before programmes and priorities are formally approved.
It is important to note that the shadow round will provide funding using resources available for the 2007-13 Programmes. However, it cannot be a substitute for the need for existing projects to plan for and implement exit strategies with the conclusion of the 2000-06 programmes.
Application details
Application information packs are available from Monday, 22 January. These packs contain: application forms; guidance on how to fill the application forms and registration procedures; and guidance on eligible activity. The eligible activity criteria take into consideration the responses to the Operational Programmes consultation, which finished on 8 January. This may includes some spatial eligibility to be introduced in the new programming period.
The information packs are available from 22 January on the websites of the two Intermediate Administration Bodies designated to administer the 2007-13 Structural Funds programmes in Scotland:
- for Lowlands & Uplands Scotland, ESEP Ltd: www.esep.co.uk; and
- for the Highlands & Islands, Highlands and Islands (Scotland) Structural Funds Partnership Ltd: www.hipp.org.uk.
The Intermediate Administration Bodies are the principal bodies to provide advice and assistance to applicants.
The deadline for applications is Friday, 16 February. Applications will be subject to technical assessments and advisory group appraisals. Final decisions are expected to be taken in April and announced through this website.
It is hoped that all four programmes will be able to start formally in the summer of 2007.