E U Objective 3

The EU Objective 3 programme is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and covers the whole of the London area. It has a London wide budget of around £400 million for 2000-2006.

This funding has been allocated to five priorities (called policy fields) and works out at roughly £50-60 million (depending on exchange rate) per bidding round.

The five ESF O3 policy fields together with percentage of total budget are as follows:

   1. Active labour market policies - 25% (98.2m)

• Improve advice and guidence when unemployment starts
• Improve the chances of work of the long term unemployed
• Widen access to basic skills
• Strengthen local multi-agency partnerships

   2. Equal Opportunities for all - 35% (137.4m)

• Help those with disadvantages to improve their job prospects

   3. Lifelong Learning - 25% (£98.2m)

• Expands the number of people taking part in lifelong learning
• Encourages partnerships for learning
• Takes forward the Fresh Start on key skills

   4. Adaptability and Entrepreneurship - 10% (39.3m)

• Update and upgrade employees skills
• Develop entrepreneurship and innovation

   5. Improving the role of women in the labour market - 5% (19.6%)

• Promote the chances for women in the labour market

Applying for ESF Objective 3

Up until this year London ESF 03 applicants applied directly to Government Office for London for a maximum of 45% of project costs. This year for the first time since the 2000-2006 ESF 03 programme came into existence, applicants now have the opportunity to apply to certain agencies who are funded directly by the government for 100% (i.ee ESF plus agency's own match) of project costs. These organisations are known as co-financing organisations (CFO's)

Co-Financing Organisations (CFO)

The following agencies are eligable to apply to Government Office for London (GOL) for Co-Financing status

• The learning and skills council
• Business link for London
• The Association for London Government
• The Employment Service
• Connextions
• Local Authorities

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