Originally there were 11 Integrated Area Plans (IAP) including three for the Restormel area; Carrick, two in Kerrier, Penwith, Bodmin Moor and Camelford, Caradon, St Austell Bay Area, China Clay Area, Newquay and Rural Hinterlands, Isles of Scilly and North Cornwall. IAPs set out how the area aimed to use Objective One and other investment to meet local needs, improve the economy and the way of life. The IAPs do not hold or control any money for projects; they are local frameworks which support project applications for Objective One and other investment. The IAPs work with all sectors including craft, small businesses, training and skills, farmers and horticulturists, tourism and community groups. The IAPs have facilitators in place who provide technical and project development support for project applications, they help to find match funds for eligible projects.

Although the IAP teams have been expected to facilitate projects that contribute to the aims of the Objective One Programme, they have always been able to work with groups in the community who have early project ideas where it is not necessarily clear whether it will eventually be eligible for investment. It is now envisaged that the teams will continue to give support to these projects whether or not they are eligible for Objective One Investment and that they could be supported through other funding streams. Despite this, the level of Programme related activity is expected to rise for the remainder of the Programme.

The implementation of the IAPs was originally overseen by a group for each IAP which represents the local public/private sector organisations and voluntary organisations. These groups endorsed prospective projects to ensure they meet the needs of the local community. IAPs have played a key role in the community, helping groups to access funds as well as signposting projects to the Programme’s delegated grant schemes. From 2004 the IAPs have been embedded into the 6 District Councils and the Isles of Scilly Council. It is hoped that the success of the IAPs can continue with lessons being learnt from the most successful IAPs. Past experience has shown that a successful working relationship between the Board, the IAP team and the District Council leads to a successful IAP. The IAPs have and will continue to provide an important vehicle for development of non Programme community development initiatives and projects. A successful IAP can provide additional economic regeneration activity valued and supported at a local level.

Support for continuing IAP activity will not only have to meet the aspirations of the Programme but clearly show that there is engagement with the local community through an advisory board as well as being accountable to the appropriate local authority. This will see the local authority taking a greater leadership role in the implementation of the IAPs. IAPs should make sure that they have a strategy for the continuation of activity after the Programme.