European Issues
West Dunbartonshire has access to two of the four structural funds having full Objectives 2 and 3 status.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); aims to improve economic prosperity and social inclusion by investing in projects to promote development and encourage diversification of industry into other sectors in areas lagging behind. This fund is available in West Dunbartonshire through the Western Scotland Objective 2 Programme. Objective 2
The European Social Fund (ESF); funds training, human resources and equal opportunities schemes to promote employability of people. This fund is available in West Dunbartonshire through the lowland Scotland Objective 3 Programme and to complement ERDF activities through the Western Scotland Objective 2 Programme. Objective 3
Apart from these Funds, there is access to funding via the URBAN II initiative which covers part of Clydebank.
LEADER Funding
LEADER is a European funding programme for rural development. In Scotland, it is a mainstream part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013, established to provide a bottom up form of local governance aimed at empowering communities to develop their own area using innovative approaches and cooperation. Funding is awarded to Local Action Groups (LAGs) to take decisions on projects which are community driven and have a wide community benefit.
West Dunbartonshire is part of the Forth Valley and Lomond Local Action Group (FVL LAG), that will consider awarding LEADER funding to community led projects that aim to “improve the quality of life In Forth Valley and Lomond through revitalised communities and enhanced natural environments” and reside within the Forth Valley and Lomond LEADER eligible areas.
In West Dunbartonshire, projects that reside in Balloch, Haldane and Gartocharn may be eligible to apply for LEADER funding through the Forth Valley and Lomond LAG area. Target groups are inclusive however, including LEADER aims to assist the following groups including women; young people; small and micro-businesses and the under-employed. In some cases however, people from an eligible area carrying out activity in an ineligible area could be a fundable project.
For more information eligibility for LEADER funding and to access an initial enquiry form, visit www.fvl.org.uk
