Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about Objective One and the answers. These will be updated as and when new issues crop up and old ones are resolved.

Click on any question in the list to see the answer:

Q1 What is Objective One?
Q2 How much money will there be?
Q3 Where does the money come from?
Q4 Why did Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly get this money?
Q5 Am I eligible?
Q6 What projects are NOT eligible?
Q7 How do I apply?
Q8 How long does it take for applications to be processed?
Q9 Why is the appraisal process so complex?
Q10 Where can I get advice?

All the answers have been kept brief and as simple as possible with links to more detailed information where appropriate.

My question is not here
If your question isn't here call the Objective One Helpline on 0800 0280120, or try the relevant contact in our Directory listing.

Alternatively, you might want to try looking elsewhere on the website for the answers. For a user-friendly explanation of Objective One and how the process works, go to 'Objective One - a step by step guide'.

If you want the real, in-depth details about Objective One, the place to look is in the 'Single Programming Document' which is the official contract with the EU on how we are going to use the funds.

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Q1. What is Objective One?
Objective One is one of three programmes set up to help reduce differences in social and economic conditions within the European Union. (These three funding programmes are the biggest area of European spending after the Common Agricultural Policy.)

Of the three, Objective One is the highest priority designation for European aid and is targeted at areas where prosperity, measured in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head of population, is 75% or less of the European average.

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Q2. How much money will there be?
The Objective One programme will make around £300 million in European funding available – the exact amount is not definite because the sum awarded is in the Euro and the precise final figure of what we get will depend on exchange rates.

The European money will also have to be matched, across the programme as a whole, with the same amount of UK money. This match funding will come through investment from various public bodies. Other funds will also be provided from the private sector. (Levels of investment and the amount of match funding will vary, however, for individual projects.)

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Q3. Where does the money come from?
All Objective One money comes from four European budgets, known as Structural Funds, which were set up to provide grant aid to member countries. (These four funds are the biggest part of the EU’s entire budget after the Common Agricultural Policy.)

The four funds, and the proportion they will provide of the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly programme’s funds, are the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – 60.4%; European Social Fund (ESF) – 20.3%; European Agricultural Advice & Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) –15.9%; Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) – 3.4%.

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Q4. Why did Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly get this money?
In March 1999, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly were designated as an Objective One region because our prosperity, measured in average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head of population, was below the threshold of 75% of the European average.

The region thereby became eligible and a partnership of local bodies submitted a document to the European Commission setting out proposals for how funding could be used to raise prosperity above this threshold.

This document is known as the Single Programming Document and – after it was agreed by the EC – effectively forms the business plan and contract between the UK and the EC, containing the rules for how this European money will be spent.

The partnership of bodies that produced the SPD will now administer and monitor how the money is allocated. The partnership includes the councils for Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, the Government Office of the South West, DEFRA, the South West of England RDA, Learning and Skills Council, Jobcentre Plus and representatives of the private and voluntary sector.

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Q5. Am I eligible?
The Objective One programme is designed to be flexible. However, its overall aim is to create a more prosperous Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly where all communities share in an improving quality of life.

And in order to make that vision possible, the programme has set five priorities and all projects must fit within the detailed criteria of at least one priority. In general terms, these priorities are for business support, strategic investment, developing people, community development and regional distinctiveness.

There are also three “cross cutting” themes that are of such importance that all projects must address the issues involved. These are environmental sustainability, equal opportunities and information communications technology.

For advice on eligibility either contact the Government Office of the South West direct or call the Objective One Helpline on 0800 0280 120 to have your query referred on to an appropriate adviser.

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Q6. What projects are NOT eligible?
Under the rules of the programme set down and agreed with the European Commission, Objective One money has to be used for specific purposes.

Funding is only for projects that take place in – or benefit – Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly.

In addition, funding must not be used to:

This is not an exhaustive list. Potential applicants should contact the Government Office of the South West on 01752 635000 at an early point to establish the eligibility of a project idea. (Also see the Objective One directory for contact details for individual GOSW team member or the GOSW website link under Surfing for more information.)

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Q7. How do I apply?
Applications for funding are submitted to either the Government Office of the South West (GOSW) or the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

GOSW provides the secretariat for applications to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) with DEFRA covering applications to the fisheries element of the Programme, Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG).

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Q8. How long does it take for applications to be processed?
This will depend on the simplicity or complexity of the project. Straightforward projects should be assessed within 12 weeks of submission. This assumes that the application contains all the information to enable it to be assessed.

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Q9. Why is the appraisal process so complex?
Objective One funding is public money – to be made available for specific purposes set out in a legal contract between the UK Government and the European Commission.

Under both UK and European law this means that the appraisal process must be fair, transparent and thorough.

It also means that the process must be able to provide a complete, and accountable, audit trail on an annual basis to the UK and European governing bodies.

The appraisal process is as simple as it can be, given the number of criteria it must obey considering that Objective One funds are public money.

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Q10. Where can I get advice?
You may be able to find much of the information you will need on this website.

However, if you have any further inquiries about project ideas, eligibility, or whether Objective One would be suitable for meeting your particular need, the first point of contact should be the Objective One Helpline on 0800 0280 120. The Helpline can direct you to guidance from an adviser with the relevant expertise who can advise you.

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