WRITTEN QUESTION E-0997/96 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (26 April 1996)

Subject: Representation of the UK voluntary sector in monitoring of the European Social Fund

What discussions has or will the Commission have with the UK Government concerning the continued technical support needed by the UK voluntary sector at national level, given the British Government's plans for the regionalization of the European Social Fund next year?

Does the Commission accept that for genuine participation by voluntary groups at local, regional and national level in Britain, central support of the type of organization such as the National Council of Voluntary Organizations is absolutely essential?

Is the Commission aware of similar arrangements in other Member States which apply?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (13 June 1996)

The background to current discussions on European social fund (ESF) actions in the United Kingdom is the submission to the Commission by the United Kingdom authorities of their plan for objective 3 for 1997-1999. This plan forms the basis of the negotiations between the United Kingdom and the Commission upon the new single programming document (SPD) setting out the strategy, priorities and proposed implementation arrangements for the ESF under objective 3 in the United Kingdom for the next three years.

The plan submitted by the United Kingdom on 7 February 1996 does not make detailed proposals for the implementation of the SPD. Nevertheless, the Commission is aware that the Department for education and employment has recently undertaken a feasibility study on the regionalisation of the objective 3 programme and its delivery in the period 1997-1999, but that British ministers have not yet agreed detailed proposals on regionalisation. The timetable and exact arrangements for regionalisation will be discussed between the Commission and the United Kingdom in negotiations on the new SPD to be held in the coming months.

It is the aim of the Commission to afford the wider objective 3 partnership every opportunity to exchange views on the optimum policy content and implementation structure for the new SPD. To this end, an extended objective 3 monitoring committee took place in the United Kingdom on 22 May at which all non-governement partners, including representatives of the voluntary sector, had the opportunity to contribute to the process of negotiations. The policy direction set out in the draft SPD was warmly welcomed by the representatives of the voluntary sector, and the Commission agreed to hold further meetings with all non-government partners to discuss issues of detail.

The means by which technical assistance (to support publicity, evaluation and the effective delivery of the programme) should be allocated under a regionalised implementation structure will be a central element of negotiations on the new SPD when these commence. The essential contribution made by the voluntary sector in the realisation of ESF policy objectives in the United Kingdom is well recognised by the Commission. It is the intention of the Commission to ensure a wide and effective partnership, guaranteeing the participation of a range of organisations in the implementation of ESF in the United Kingdom in the forthcoming programming period.

With regard to arrangements for the participation of the voluntary sector in other Member States, the Commission is aware that in many respects the United Kingdom voluntary sector is in a unique position. Voluntary sector bodies in the United Kingdom can apply directly for ESF support, rather than applying under the umbrella of a public body. This direct participation strengthens the case for active involvement of voluntary organisations in the monitoring of ESF programmes in the United Kingdom.