The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and Big Lottery have issued statements to VONNE on the impact of Brexit on current European Funding programmes. The statement from DCLG is:
"There is no immediate change to much of what we are doing. For example:
· We are carrying on with appraising projects, and seeking sub-committee advice
· There are current live calls, and we will continue to appraise applications when we receive them
· Existing projects should continue to deliver, we will continue to pay claims
· Contract monitoring and assurance visits will continue
· We must continue to be compliant
· We are continuing to implement the E-CLAIMS IT system and to seek designation as a managing authority
However, we are considering what impact the referendum result has on the level and timing of forward financial commitments and we are pausing on the issue of new funding agreements. We are, nonetheless, continuing to work on getting these agreements ready for signature. We know that there is an urgency to some of them and we are resolving the position as soon as we can.
We are also continuing to develop the content of new projects calls for July. But we are considering the timing of publication of those calls.
The referendum has prompted a number of other questions about how we implement the ERDF programme going forward. We are working will colleagues across Government on these."
The line from Big Lottery Fund in relation to the Building Better Opportunities programme is:
"We will continue to carry out our work across the UK, enabling people to take the lead to improve their communities. Regarding BBO, we are committed to all existing co-funded ESF programmes until delivery is complete."
Your feedback
VONNE has been asked by the Cabinet Office to collate any feedback on the impact Brexit is having on the voluntary sector, the communties they support and what risks it may pose. If you have any comments or feedback please email Carrie Brookes at carrie.brookes@vonne.org.uk