Consultation on the European Structural Funds Convergence Programmes (ERDF And ESF) for West Wales and the Valleys 2007- 2013

I will be launching the Welsh Assembly Government’s consultation document on the Convergence programmes for West Wales and the Valleys 2007–2013 tomorrow, 28 July 2006, at Tredomen Business Park, Caerphilly.  

The publication of the consultation document marks the start of a formal 10 week consultation with stakeholders across Wales, which will close on 6 October 2006.  The consultation invites comments on the Welsh Assembly Government’s proposed strategy and priorities for the economic, social and environmental regeneration of West Wales and the Valleys over the period 2007–2013 with the support of the European Structural Funds – the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).  It will be supported by regional and sectoral consultation events scheduled to take place over the period of the consultation.  Views expressed during the consultation will help shape the direction of the next round of European Convergence programmes, with the Community funding at €1.85 billion. The Convergence Operational Programmes will be submitted to the European Commission for approval in the autumn.

The consultation document has been based on an analysis of the Region’s needs and aspirations, together with an assessment of the Structural Funds programmes 2000–2006. They have been developed in the context of the objectives of the European Union’s Lisbon and Gothenburg reform agendas for growth and jobs, and key Welsh Assembly Government national policies, including Wales: A Better Country, the Wales Spatial Plan, Wales: A Vibrant Economy, the Skills and Employment Action Plan, the Environment Strategy for Wales and Making the Connections.

The consultation builds on the extensive discussions that have taken place with a wide range of partners and stakeholders over recent months. It also builds on the Department of Trade and Industry’s consultation on the ‘Draft UK National Strategic Reference Framework 2007–2013’ which establishes the broad priorities for Structural Funds spending in the UK.

Electronic copies of the documents will be available tomorrow afternoon at:

www.wefo.wales.gov.uk.