London European Social Fund Programme 2007 to 2013

 The 2007-13 ESF programme will contribute to sustainable economic growth and social inclusion by extending employment opportunities and by developing a skilled and adaptable workforce.

London has been awarded an allocation of £324 million over this period, as part of England and Gibraltar European Social Fund (ESF) programme. Since the start of this programmme the allocation has increased to £370 million.

Regional Framework

A Regional Framework has been produced for London which sets out how the region will address the national priorities and puts the London programme in its regional context.

London governance arrangements

Following the review of Greater London Authority (GLA) powers in July 2006, the management of European Structural Funds was transferred to the Mayor of London; who has devolved the administration of the programmes to the London Development Agency (LDA).

While the Mayor provides strategic direction, the LDA is responsible for monitoring the programme (separately from its function as a co-financing organisation) and has established a European Programmes Management Unit to carry out this function.

The London Development Agency (LDA) has two distinct roles in relation to ESF:

• LDA European Programmes Management Unit (EPMU)
  The EPMU at the LDA is responsible for administering ESF funds in London
• LDA Co-financing Organisation (CFO)
  CFOs are responsible for the distribution of ESF funds at a regional level (co-financed with their own domestic funding). CFOs contract with organisations that deliver ESF projects on the ground.

You can email ust at esf@lda.gov.uk if you would like more information on the programme and/ or to recieve the ESF/ERDF quarterly newsletter and updates.