NORTH OF THE TYNE COMMUNITY LED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
ERDF AND ESF PROPOSAL FOR PREPARATORY PHASE
Newcastle City Council – 30 November 2015
Summary
On 30 November 2015, Newcastle City Council and its partners submitted an ESF and ERDF
proposal to delivery the preparatory phase of the North of the Tyne CLLD area which includes
20% of most deprived wards in Newcastle (from Benwell Scostwood to Walker along the river
and parts of Fenham, Blakelaw, Kenton and Woolsington wards) and Wallsend in North
Tyneside (population range 120,000-140,000). Key outputs will be to produce a CLLD
strategy, define the precise geographical area, set up a Local Action Group and identify
an accountable body for the implementation phase.
The methodology used will involve input from locally based organisations, networks and
community partnerships which have representation from the local community or/and strong
links with residents. In addition interactive digital tools and participatory appraisal techniques
will be used to develop the strategy.
CLLD activities have to fit within the ERDF and ESF programme which focus on local economic
growth, employability, social inclusion and skills.
Subject to DWP and DCLG approvals, the project will start on 1 March 2016 and be complete
by 31 August 2016. Newcastle City Council has applied for £22,000 ESIF and will be using
internal resources as match-funding.
If the preparatory phase is successful, the proposed accountable body will be invited to submit
an implementation plan for a 5-year funding programme unlocking a minimum £1.2m
European funding + match-funding for projects in the proposed North of the Tyne from April
2017.
Approach, timescale and activities
Newcastle City Council will deliver the project in collaboration with 5 strategic partners:
Newcastle Council for Voluntary Service, Blue Stone Consortium, North Tyneside
Council, NE Women Network, and the NE Social Enterprise partnership. A working group
with Council staff and strategic partners will be put in place to co-ordinate activities and oversee
progress.
Three guiding principles will be at the heart of the North of the Tyne CLLD preparatory phase:
Connecting local communities with economic opportunities, Building digital capacity and
skills within communities and Building on existing community partnerships and networks
and bringing them together.
Development of the CLLD strategy and scope of the CLLD area
Month 1 & 2:
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Collate local studies, reports and information to inform the SWOT analysis and identify
gaps
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Secondary data collection leading to CLLD area “profiles” and “trends”
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Focus groups with community groups and local residents setting out local context and
key issues where gaps in the evidence base exist
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Data visualisation including production of maps
Month 3: Draft CLLD strategy and propose CLLD area
Month 4 and 5: Consultation and validation through local events and online survey
Setting up of the Local Action Group
The Local Action Group will be the decision-making body of the CLLD programme; in line with
European guidance it will be made up of less than 50% public sector representatives and at
least 51% representatives of voluntary, community and private sectors. We propose a step by
step methodology:
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Define the overall CLLD governance arrangement (in line with guidance and best practice)
– clarity required that gender balance and representation of the target groups within North
of the Tyne area must be reached
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Define role and responsibilities and commitment requested from the members of the Local
Action Group and outline level of support and training to be made available
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Develop a brief for LAG members
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Approach umbrella organisations for nominations, provide brief and expression of interest
form
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Establish a long list of members – assess against criteria and propose membership
(Working group)
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Set up shadow LAG to oversee the final stage of preparatory phase including sign off of the
Strategy
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Design and agree terms of reference for the group, elect a chair and vice-chairs
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Assess skills base and training needs amongst LAG members, review training and support
resources for implementation phase
Identification of the Accountable Body
Newcastle City Council will follow an internal process to consider the risks and liabilities of
being an accountable body in order to secure sign off by the end of August.
At the end of the 6-month preparatory phase, a CLLD strategy, LAG and proposal for an
accountable body will be submitted to the Managing Authorities.
What happens next
The proposal will be appraised by DCLG and DWP and we should hear back in January 2016.
Final outcome will be known in February, following advice from the local European funding
committee. Information will be disseminated via NCVS and VONNE.
Contact: Claire Prospert, Newcastle City Council, [email protected],
Tel: 0191 211 56 93
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