Coi Merseyside

What is Objective 1?

Objective 1 provides money from Europe to help Merseyside catch up with the prosperity of other regions. In order to achieve this aim it must draw private sector investment as well as other public expenditure.

How much money is available?

The total package is £ 1.6 billion, which is made up of £ 650 million in grants and £ 950 million in matched funding from the private sector and public and voluntary sources.

What can the money be used for?

The money must be used in line with the `Single Programming Document', which was drawn up following negotiation between the Government and the European Commission. The sort of things which are available for support under this programme include:

getting sites ready for industrial development;
building and refurbishing factories and offices;
improving transport access to industrial, commercial and tourist developments;
training and developing the people of Merseyside to equip them with the skills and capabilities to find jobs, especially in the new industries;
supporting innovation and development;
promoting the cultural, arts and leisure industries on Merseyside;
support measures for small and medium-sized companies;
cleaning up the environment;
helping those in the most disadvantaged communities.

Who can apply for grants?

Applications must come from `eligible bodies' which includes local authorities, the universities, the colleges of further education, voluntary sector bodies, non-profit making organisations and others. Through grants to intermediaries like the Business Links, TECs and English Partnerships, the private sector can gain access to a range of support. Partnership bids are strongly encouraged.

Who administers the Objective 1 programme on Merseyside?

The programme is run by a local partnership of representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors, further and higher education, TECs and statutory agencies. They work through a Monitoring Committee, two Technical Panels - one for Industrial Development and one for the people of Merseyside - supported by a secretariat. The secretariat is based in the Government Office for Merseyside.

How are applications assessed?

All projects have to meet certain Project Selection Criteria. Bids are appraised to see how well they score against these criteria. Value for money and quality of output are important factors.

Further Information

General enquiries: Objective 1 Secretariat, 0151 224 6454
Press enquiries: COI Merseyside, 0151 224 6412