European Structural Funds supporting the economic and social conversion of areas hardest hit by industrial decline, eg where traditional industries such as coal and steel, textiles and shipbuilding can no longer compete successfully, causing major social and economic hardship and dislocation for the local workforce. It is the second highest level of funding available from the EU and areas qualify under four strands: industrial, rural, urban and fisheries. In total, the UK will receive over £3.1 billion for UK Objective 2 areas for the period 2000 - 2006. For more information go to http:// www.dti.gov.uk/europe/structural.html To find out if you are in an Objective 2 area go to http:// www.dti.gov.uk/europe/annex_c.html and click on your region.
Industrial Areas and Regions in Decline - to convert the areas hardest hit by industrial decline, where traditional industries such as coal and steel, textiles and shipbuilding can no longer compete successfully, causing major social and economic hardship and dislocation for the local workforce. Areas where the average rate of unemployment and the percentage of industrial employment is higher that the Community average.