EU Structural & Investment Funds Strategy

Our Funding Streams

Our strategy for Gloucestershire fits closely with the three National Operational Programmes – the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Social Fund (ESF).

Our EU Structural & Investment Funds Strategy was submitted to the government in January 2014. We were successfully allocated in excess of £41m of EU funds to enhance Gloucestershire’s economy, skills and environment. This has leveraged in match funding, with the result that by January 2021 £66m has been invested in our economy.

As part of this strategy, we have stimulated local enterprise, helping rural projects, and getting people into work across the county.

Through this European funding, we’re overseeing money committed to the following areas:

• Broadband – £4.3 million
• Innovation – £1.7 million
• Business support – £8.6 million
• Environment – £2.9 million
• Employment – £3.3 million
• Rural tourism – £2.3 million
• Low carbon innovation – £1.8 million
• Skills – £8.24 million
• Social inclusion – £5.8 million

There are no open calls, as all the funds have been allocated. Find out how we’re already making the most of this funding on our projects page.

ESIF Committee

Our ESIF committee was fundamental to ensuring the funding was allocated to the areas that needed it the most.

Committee members:

• Chair: Adam Starkey – Green Gourmet Ltd
• Andy Bates – Gloucestershire College
• Ashley Green – Gloucester City Homes
• Bob Watters – Forest Local Action Group
• Janice Banks – Gloucestershire Rural Community Council
• Dr Polly Pick – University of Gloucestershire
• Roger Morlock – Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
• Shaun Parsons – Gloucestershire County Council
• Simon King – Rural Representative
• Steve Lydon – Stroud District Council
• Tim Littler – Harrison Clark Rickerbys LLP