- News story: EU agrees next steps to tackling climate change
The EU ETS is the European Union’s flagship climate policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the least cost whilst stimulating investment in the low-carbon economy. A cap is set on the total amount of certain greenhouse gases that can be emitted, and within the cap, companies receive or buy emission allowances which they can trade with one another as needed.
The Environment Council has agreed a measure, known as the Market Stability Reserve (MSR), to tackle the surplus of allowances built up in the ETS over the last five years.
The Council also agreed the EU negotiating approach to the Paris COP. These set out a strong and positive position for the final negotiations to secure an ambitious global deal to tackle climate change.
Secretary of State Amber Rudd said:
“I welcome today’s agreement, which the UK has been driving forward and will enable businesses to remain competitive and grow as we move to a low carbon future.
“With just over 2 months to go until the climate change conference in Paris we are working hard to land a robust global deal that will mark the beginning of a global step change in efforts to limit global warming to 2 degrees in the long term.”
- Statistics – national statistics: Green Deal, Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Insulation Levels in Great Britain, detailed report: to June 2015
This release includes further analysis and geographical breakdowns of published statistics on GD Assessments, Cashback, GD Plans, Green Deal Home Improvement Fund and ECO measures, estimated carbon and energy savings from measures installed and supply chain activity. This release also includes information about Core Cities, Pioneer Places, Green Deal Communities, ECO delivery costs and estimates of home insulation levels in Great Britain.
The GD and ECO statistics presented in the release and tables include numbers recorded over the reported period, which are updated on a quarterly basis. This is directly taken from a variety of sources including the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and Green Deal Advice Report (GDAR) central register. These statistics are provisional and are subject to future revisions.
- Detailed guide: England 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds
Updated: The European Social Fund Operational Programme was adopted by the European Commission on 10 September 2015 and now published.
About the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth programme
The European Structural and Investment Funds programme provides funds to help local areas grow. The funds support investment in innovation, businesses, skills and employment and create jobs.
Running from 2014 to 2020, there are three types of funds involved in the programme.
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European Social Fund (ESF) focuses on improving the employment opportunities, promoting social inclusion and investing in skills by providing help people need to fulfil their potential.
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European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supports research and innovation, small to medium sized enterprises and creation of a low carbon economy.
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European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) supports rural businesses to grow and expand, improve knowledge and skills and get started. Read information and access documents on this fund here.
Who can apply for funding
A variety of requirements and criteria must be met in order to apply for funding through the programme. Read the programme guidance to see who is eligible to apply for funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.
Read detailed information about the funds including the priorities, objectives and target groups and how the funds are being implemented:
- ESF Operational Programme for England 2014 to 2020
- ERDF Operational Programme for England 2014 to 2020
- EAFRD Operational Programme for England 2014 to 2020
Applying for European Structural and Investment Growth programme funds
There are two routes to apply for funding.
Route one – The Funding Finder
Through this route funding opportunities for all of the European Regional Development Fund, part of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and part of the European Social Fund are available.
Apply through the Funding Finder
Route two – co-financing (European Social Fund only)
Also known as opt-in organisations, a large proportion of European Social Fund money is available through this alternative route. Co-financing means that European Social Fund can cover up to 100% of an approved project’s eligible costs.
Read details on this approach, the opt-in organisations and how to apply through this route on our partner page.
Find out more about the .
Programme guidance, forms and performance information
Managing the European Structural and Investment Growth programme funds
Contact us
For all general enquiries about the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth programme or the European Regional Development Fund, email esif@communities.gsi.gov.uk.
For enquiries about the European Social Fund, email esf.feedback@dwp.gsi.gov.uk.
For enquiries about the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, email rdpenetwork@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
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