Assessing the scale and effectiveness of ERDF and ESF funding

This document describes a comprehensive evaluation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) in the UK, focusing on their effectiveness in meeting environmental and rural objectives. Conducted by Frontier Economics, the evaluation employed a theory-based approach, reviewing evidence, analyzing quantitative data, and engaging stakeholders through interviews and workshops. The findings reveal that between 2007 and 2020, €1.6 billion was allocated to environmental objectives and €1.3 billion to rural areas, with notable regional disparities in funding distribution. Challenges identified include difficulties in accessing funds, the necessity for projects to align with local priorities, and the need for improved application processes. Positive impacts on business performance, innovation, and unemployment rates were observed, but detailed evidence on environmental and rural outcomes was lacking. Recommendations for future funding mechanisms include devolving oversight, streamlining applications, and better marketing of opportunities. The evaluation highlights the importance of local strategic objectives, the role of Local Enterprise Partnerships, and the need for flexibility in project development, while also suggesting a greater focus on local environmental issues and rural priorities. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: Home Office (Home Office)
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: September 2019

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes