west wales and the valleys · 2016. 10. 31. · • the strategic frameworks, which will guide the...

West Wales and the Valleys ERDF Convergence Programme

2007-2013

Annual Implementation Report 2007

CCI Number: 2007UK161PO002

Figure 1: Map of the West Wales and the Valleys ERDF Convergence Programme area

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Contents

INTRODUCTION BY DIRECTOR ..................................................................6

SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION.......................................................................8

SECTION 2: OVERVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME....................................................................10

2.1 Achievement and Analysis of the progress..............................................10 2.2 Compliance with Community law.............................................................28 2.3 Significant problems encountered and measures taken to overcome them...............................................................................................................29 2.4 Changes in the context of the Operational Programme implementation..30 2.5 Durability of operations............................................................................38 2.6 Complementarity with other instruments..................................................39 2.7 Monitoring Arrangements.........................................................................40

SECTION 3: IMPLEMENTATION BY PRIORITY..........................................45

SECTION 4: COHERENCE AND CONCENTRATION..................................70

SECTION 5: MAJOR PROJECTS.................................................................71

SECTION 6: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE......................................................72

SECTION 7: INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY.............................................73

ANNEXES

ANNEX 1: PROGRAMME-LEVEL TRACKING INDICATORS

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INTRODUCTION BY DIRECTOR

This is the first Annual Implementation Report (AIR) on the West Wales and the Valleys ERDF Convergence Programme and covers the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007.

West Wales and the Valleys includes the local authorities of Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen. West Wales and the Valleys has been designated a Convergence area for this programming period.

The Programme will receive Community funding of €1.25 billion. When this is combined with national public and private funding, this means €2.5 billion is available to support activities to boost R&D and innovation, tackle climate change and regenerate the region's most deprived communities. It is augmented by a separate but complementary European Social Fund (ESF) Convergence Programme.

The Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) is continuing to discharge the functions of the Managing and Certifying Authority for the new programmes on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. Audit Authority functions are the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Internal Audit Service.

The year 2007 has focused on the planning and developing of our new Programmes, as well as gearing up for implementation. There have been a number of key achievements, including:

• In August 2007 Wales became the first region of the UK to have its Structural Funds Programmes legally adopted by the EU, including the West Wales and the Valleys ERDF Convergence Programme;

• In October 2007, the West Wales and the Valleys ERDF Convergence Programme was officially launched at an implementation event for key stakeholders and potential project sponsors in Llandudno, North Wales.

• A new All Wales Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) has been constituted with responsibility for the two Convergence and two Regional Competitiveness and Employment programmes; it has agreed the new project prioritisation and selection criteria;

• The Strategic Frameworks, which will guide the implementation of the new programmes, have been developed with our partners and have been endorsed by the PMC; and

• Systems to manage the Programmes have been put in place, including programme guidance, a new monitoring system and evaluation and communications plans. The development of our new IT and on-line applications system is also progressing well.

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These successes are built on the commitment of our partners across Wales, the hard work of WEFO staff and the excellent support and engagement of the European Commission services.

Damien O'Brien Director, Welsh European Funding Office

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SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION

OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME Objective concerned: ERDF Convergence Programme Eligible area concerned: West Wales and the Valleys Programming period: 2007 - 2013

Programme number (CCI No): CCI Number: 2007UK161PO002 Programme title: West Wales and the Valleys ERDF Convergence Programme

ANNUAL IMPLEMENTATION REPORT

Reporting year: 2007 Date of approval of the annual report by the monitoring committee: 6 June 2008

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SECTION 2: OVERVIEW OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME

This Section provides an overview of the implementation of the West Wales and the Valleys ERDF Convergence Programme, hereafter referred to as the Programme, during 2007 including the following:

• 2.1 Achievement and analysis of the progress made implementing the Operational Programme;

• 2.2 Compliance with Community law; • 2.3 Any significant problems encountered; • 2.4 Any substantial modifications • 2.5 Durability of operations • 2.6 Complementarity with other instruments; and • 2.7 Monitoring arrangements

2.1 ACHIEVEMENT AND ANALYSIS OF THE PROGRESS

The year 2007 has focused on the planning and developing of our new Programmes, as well as gearing up for implementation. There have been a number of key achievements. A new All Wales Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) has been constituted with responsibility for the two Convergence and two Regional Competitiveness and Employment programmes. It has made a number of key decisions including agreement of the new project prioritisation and selection criteria. The Strategic Frameworks, which will guide the implementation of the new programmes, have been developed with WEFO's partners and have been endorsed by the PMC. The systems to manage the Programmes have been put in place, including Programme guidance, a new monitoring system and evaluation and communications plans.

This sub section provides details of the physical and financial progress of the Programme, assistance given to Participant target groups, assistance re-paid or re-used, and qualitative analysis of the progress made.

A) INFORMATION ON THE PHYSICAL PROGRESS OF THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME

i) Programme-level Indicators

As implementation of the Programme did not get underway until the second half of 2007, and no projects were approved before the end of the year, there are no achievements to report against the targets for Programme-level Indicators identified in the Operational Programme (see Table 1, below). Gender breakdown data is provided where targets have been set. During implementation the monitoring system will collect gender breakdown for all indicators, where relevant. This will be shown in future AIRs.

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Table 1: Programme-level Indicators

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total

Enterprises assisted (number)

Collaborative R&D (number)

Achievement Target Baseline Achievement Target Baseline

0

102,500 enterprises active, 2003 (WAG, 2004, Size Analysis of Welsh Business) 0

-

0 14,150

0 34

Gross jobs created (Full Time Equivalent (FTE))

Achievement Target Baseline

0

777,000 workplace employment, 2005 (WAG, 2006, Workplace Employment by Industry in Wales)

0 33,200

Enterprises created (number) Achievement Target Baseline

0

3,790 VAT registrations, 2005 (DTI Small Business Service)

0 5,044

Profit benefit (£) Achievement 0 0 Target 302,100,100 Baseline -

Investment induced (£) Achievement Target Baseline

0

£2,817 million all Wales net capital expenditure, 2004 (ONS, 2006, Annual Business Inquiry)

0 433,000,000

Jobs accommodated (number) Achievement Target Baseline

0

-

0 1,050

Achievement Target

Premises created or refurbished (m2) 0 0 35,000

Baseline -New or improved products, Achievement 0 0 processes or services launched Target 5,028 (number) Baseline -Gross passenger kilometres on Achievement 0 0 public transport (passenger km) Target 12,500,000

Baseline 66,000,000 bus passenger journeys, 2005/6 (DfT); 5,934,000 rail passenger journeys, 2004/5 (ORR)

Waste recovered (t) Achievement 0 0 Target 1,000,000 Baseline 484,000t all Wales municipal waste recycled or composted, 2005-06 (WAG, 2007, Key Environment Statistics for Wales)

Source: WEFO, 31/12/2007

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ii) Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Indicators

Table 2, below, presents data on the current state of the environment within the Region. This includes information on air quality, river water quality and waste management.

Table 2: Strategic Environmental Indicators

Indicator Wales Programme area

East Wales

Year of data

Category 1 and 2 air pollution incidents 25 22 3 2007

Percentage of river lengths of good biological quality 82 82 83 2006

Percentage of construction and demolition waste recycled or reused 85 n/a n/a 2005/06

Percentage of municipal waste recycled or composted 30 30 30 2006/07

These indicators were selected from the suggested list in the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the following reasons as they provide a good overview of the state of the environment as a whole and extend the environmental perspective of the impact indicators. They will be revised as the Programme progresses and potential new data sources become available.

Air Quality

Category 1 and 2 air pollution incidents are the most serious. Measurement of progress in reducing these categories of incident will provide the most meaningful assessment of progress. This will be informed by commentary on the influencing factors within and outside the Programme.

Quality of rivers

Much progress has been made over recent decades in improving river water quality in the Region. However pollution problems do remain, notably from diffuse pollution that is not readily controlled by regulation, such as run off from urban areas. Biological water quality provides us with a way of assessing progress in remedying these more intractable problems, such as through adoption of Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes which can be funded through the Programme.

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Waste Arisings

Information is provided on the percentage of construction/demolition waste recycled or reused in Wales. This will enable assessments to be made of the extent to which these waste streams are being successfully reused or recycled. Programme management includes provision to encourage this, including the use of 10 per cent of recycled materials in new buildings. This will be informed by commentary on the influencing factors across Wales.

The amount of municipal waste recycled or composted as a proportion of the municipal waste produced will inform assessment of the extent to which these waste streams are being successfully reduced and diverted from landfill.

These key environmental measures were also reviewed in the SEA carried out during Programme development. The findings of the SEA are being used to help steer implementation of the Programme delivery to help WEFO realise the Programme’s environmental potential and minimise environmental damage.

WEFO is looking to identify and deliver the available opportunities for the environmental well being and future prosperity of the area. These data will be routinely collected during the implementation of the Programme so as to inform judgements on the environmental impact of the Programme.

This approach is also consistent with the Action Plan to deliver Wales’ Environment Strategy, which includes Action 29 to “seek to ensure that structural funds are used to deliver environmental outcomes that are compatible with the outcomes in the Environment Strategy”. WEFO will also review any potential impact of the Programme on other relevant indicators including those for Sustainable Development and Quality of Life.

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B) FINANCIAL INFORMATION

No Programme expenditure was recorded during 2007. Financial data by Priority are provided below (see Table 3).

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Table 3: Financial information: Priority axes by source of funding (€m)

Expenditure paid out by the beneficiariesincluded in payment claims sent to the managing authority

Corresponding public contribution

Private expenditure

Expenditure paid by the bodyresponsible for making payments to the beneficiaries

Priority 1: Building The Knowledge Based Economy

ERDF

Of which ESF type expenditure

0 0 0

Priority 2: Improving Business Competitiveness

ERDF


0 0 0

Total payments received from the Commission

0

0

15



Private expenditure


Priority 3: Developing Strategic Infrastructure For A Modern Economy

ERDF


0 0 0

Priority 4: Creating An Attractive BusinessEnvironment

ERDF


0 0 0

Priority 5: Building Sustainable Communities

ERDF


0 0 0


0

0

0

16

17



Private expenditure


Priority 6: Technical Assistance

ERDF


Grand Total 0 0 0 0

ESF type expenditure in the grand total where the Operational Programme is co-financed by the ERDF

0 0 0



0

0

C) INFORMATION ABOUT THE BREAKDOWN OF USE OF THE FUNDS

In future AIRs Table 4 will show the cumulative breakdown of allocations of the Community contribution by category, in accordance with Part C of Annex II of the Regulation (EC) No 1828/2006.

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Table 4: Information about the breakdown of use of the Funds

Combination of codes of dimension 1 to 5

Code* Code* Code* Code* Code* Amount Dimension 1 Dimension 2 Dimension 3 Dimension 4 Dimension 5 ** Priority Theme Form of Finance Territory Economic activity Location

Total

* The categories should be coded for each dimension using the standard classification ** Allocated amount of the Community contribution for each combination of categories

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D) ASSISTANCE BY TARGET GROUPS

The Programme was agreed mid 2007 and the remainder of the year has been spent on developing projects, hence no achievements are reported against the indicators. With the first project approvals in early 2008, later reports will include breakdowns.

E) ASSISTANCE REPAID OR RE-USED

At end 2007 no assistance had been repaid or re-used following cancellation of assistance as referred to in Articles 57 and 98(2) of the Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006.

F) QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

i) Programme contribution to the Lisbon Agenda

As no projects were approved under the Programme in 2007, no Programme funds had been allocated by 31 December 2007 to the Lisbon categories of expenditure as required by Article 9(3) of the Regulation. The section below outlines the Programme’s contribution from a policy perspective.

Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs 2005 - 2008

As part of a strategy to re-launch and re-focus the Lisbon Strategy for boosting growth and employment, the European Council agreed in April 2005 on Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs covering the period 2005 to 2008. The Integrated Guidelines recommend concrete priority actions and layout a comprehensive strategy of macroeconomic, microeconomic and employment policies to redress deficiencies in growth and job creation.

The scope of the guidelines covers many issues outside the scope of the Structural Funds. Those relevant to the Programme are the microeconomic guidelines 7 to 15 and the employment guidelines 17 to 24. The Operational Programme document explains how the new Programme will contribute to these guidelines.

Community Strategic Guidelines

The Community Strategic Guidelines (CSGs) contain the principles and priorities for the utilisation of cohesion policy funds which include the ERDF and ESF Programmes in Wales maintaining a close link with the Integrated Guidelines. The CSGs were used as the basis for drafting UK National Strategic Reference Frameworks (NSRF) and ultimately the Operational Programme documents. Figure 2 below details how the Programme contributes towards the Community Strategic Guidelines.

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Figure 2: Coherence of the Programme with the Community Strategic Guidelines

ii) UK National Reform Programme

As part of this process, and on the basis of the Integrated Guidelines, Member States draw up National Reform Programmes (NRP). The first UK NRP waspublished in 2005 and details the challenges facing the UK economy and set out the UK Government’s 3-year strategy for delivering long term sustainable growth, high employment and a fair and inclusive society.

Review Process

The review of the relevance of the UK NRP is also based on a three-year cycle which started in 2005 and which will have to be renewed in 2008. The Integrated Guidelines, adopted by the Council on the basis of the Commission's proposal will be the starting point of the first cycle. Based on the integrated guidelines, Member States draw up NRPs which allow the Commission to assess the policies and progress within Member States.

iii) Council Recommendations

The 2007 Spring European Council confirmed that the 2005-2008 Integrated Guidelines remained valid and identified four priority areas (R&D and innovation, business environment, employment opportunities and an

LISBON AGENDA

‘Working together for growth and jobs – a new start for the Lisbon Agenda’

Delivering stronger, lasting growth

Creating more and better jobs

1.1 Making Europe and its regions more attractive places in which to invest and work

ERDF Priority 4: Creating an attractive Business environment

ERDF Priority 5: Building sustainable communities

ERDF Priority 1: Building the knowledgebased economy

ERDF Priority 2: Improving business competitiveness

ESF Priority 4: Making the connections,modernising and improving the quality of ourpublic services

ESF Priority 3: Improving skills levels andadaptability of the workforce

ESF Priority 2: Increasing employment and tackling economic inactivity

ESF Priority 1: Supplying young people with skills for learning and future employment

ERDF Priority 3: Developing strategic infrastructure

1.2 Improving knowledge and innovation for growth

1.3 More and better jobs

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integrated energy policy) within which it agreed a limited number of specific actions which it urged Member States to complete before the end of 2007.

The Council concluded that the UK was making good progress in the implementation of its NRP and of the commitments made by the Spring 2006 Council. Solid progress had been made in all policy areas, particularly in micro-economic and employment policy.

The Council Recommendations on the implementation of Member States’ employment policies, under the European Employment Strategy (EES), agreed in October 2004 have been maintained. The specific recommendations made to the UK have been reflected in the Programme as follows:

• Recommendation 1 - ensure that wage developments do not exceed productivity developments.

• Recommendation 2 - ensure that active labour market policies and benefit systems prevent de-skilling and promote quality in work, by improving incentives to work and supporting the sustainable integration and progress in the labour market of inactive and unemployed people; address the rising number of people claiming sickness or disability benefits, and give particular attention to lone parents and people living in deprived areas

• Recommendation 3 - Improve the access to and affordability of childcare and care for other dependants, increase access to training for low paid women in part-time work, and take urgent action to tackle the causes of the gender pay gap

• Recommendation 4 - Implement national and regional skills strategies to provide better incentives for lifelong learning and thereby increase productivity and quality in work; place particular emphasis on improving literacy and numeracy of the workforce, the participation and achievement of 16-19 year olds, and low skilled workers, especially those in poorly paid jobs.

The policy areas in the UK National Reform Programme where challenges remain which need to be tackled with the highest priority are: improving basicand intermediate skills compared with other economies; and taking further measures to tackle disadvantage and exclusion in the labour market. Against this background, it is recommended that the UK:

• Increase basic and intermediate skills, which were addressed by the Leitch review of skills, in order to raise productivity, and further improve employment prospects for the most disadvantaged.

This recommendation will be addressed by the European Social Fund programmes in Wales. Many of the issues raised by Lord Leitch are already recognised, and are being addressed a new skills and employment strategy,

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“Skills That Work for Wales”, which is being developed and will be launched for a public consultation exercise in early 2008. Further details of how the ESF Converegence Programme is addressing these recommendations are included in the 2007 ESF Convergence Annual Implementation Report.

In addition, it was indicated that the UK should, over the period of the National Reform Programme, focus on the implementation of its science and innovation strategy, the intermediate level and quality of R&D investment should be indicated for 2010; measures should be taken to further strengthen investment incentives and to increase private sector engagement; and further improve access to childcare.

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iv) Implementation of Strategic Frameworks

Implementation of the Programme will be guided by Strategic Frameworks. A Strategic Framework is defined as: A plan to achieve a particular strategic purpose by means of project interventions that are strategically linked.

Strategic Frameworks are operational strategies for delivering on the various themes within the Operational Programme. The Frameworks are planning documents and not financial instruments, drawn up in accordance with guidance issued by WEFO. Project fit with a specific Framework is used as a guide by WEFO, as Managing Authority, in the process of selecting and prioritising projects.

The development of the frameworks has been led by Welsh Assembly Government policy divisions with extensive engagement from relevant partnerships and stakeholders. This involved discussions, workshops and presentations to various organisations. WEFO also invited comments from the spatial groups and incorporated these comments into the Frameworks where appropriate. The draft frameworks were also open for comments from wider stakeholders via the WEFO website.

Parts of the Programme that are spatially-driven (Strategic Infrastructure; Environment for Growth; and Physical Regeneration) are covered by five Sustainable Regeneration frameworks linked to the Wales Spatial Plan areas.

The aims of the Frameworks reflect the aims of the Operational Programmes. Details of the Strategic Frameworks can be found on the WEFO website at http://www.wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/strategicframeworks/?lang=en. Details of progress during 2007 on each Strategic Framework are given in Section 3 against the relevant Priority.

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http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/strategicframeworks/?lang=en

v) Implementation of the Cross Cutting Themes

Projects qualifying for funding support must incorporate the Cross Cutting Themes as these are essential for the achievement of a well balanced, sustainable and innovative economy. For the 2007-2013 Structural Funds Programmes in Wales the Cross Cutting Themes are Equal Opportunities and Environmental Sustainability.

In line with Commission guidelines, policies have been put in place by WEFO to mainstream the Cross Cutting Themes through all the Structural Funds Programmes. WEFO has appointed advisers with specific responsibility for the Equal Opportunities and Environmental Sustainability themes. The Advisers provide advice and guidance on project development, monitoring and evaluation for project sponsors and WEFO staff. WEFO requires projects to demonstrate how they will contribute to the Cross Cutting Themes at Expression of Interest and application stage and checks on Cross Cutting Themes are included in WEFO financial control visits to projects.

The Cross Cutting Theme Advisers have taken an active role in the development of the 2007 - 2013 Structural Funds Programmes in Wales ensuring that both of the themes are integrated into all aspects of the programmes. Work has also been ongoing with the Strategic Frameworks focussing on the types of interventions which will best deliver on the mainstreaming of equality and environmental sustainability agenda.

Activity based guidance has been developed to assist Project Development Officers and project sponsors mainstream equality and environmental sustainability issues within projects. A rolling programme of training will be carried out by the Cross Cutting Theme Advisers aimed at WEFO staff and project sponsors.

Equal Opportunities

The aim of the Equal Opportunities Cross Cutting Theme within the context of the opportunities offered by the Programme is to prevent any discrimination on the grounds of gender, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, sexual orientation and with regard to the bilingual nature of many of the regions communities. Promoting equal opportunities for all will contribute to the objectives of the Programme by reducing injustice and thus promoting social cohesion with a wide range of benefits including an improved environment for economic development; seek to ensure that all people livingin Wales have the opportunity to use their skills and abilities to best effect and to raise the levels of GDP per head and address the imbalance in earnings of women and men.

Under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Disability Equality Duty (2006), public bodies need to make arrangements for assessing the impact (or likely impact) of policies and practices. A Race and Disability Impact Assessment is currently underway into the implementation arrangements for the programmes. The implementation arrangements are

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considered to be the most critical aspects of programme development in promoting equality of opportunity. Further details can be found under section 2.7 Monitoring Arrangements.

Environmental Sustainability

The Programme has significant potential to deliver environmental sustainability alongside economic and social development. This potential is being realised through two strands. Firstly, the Programme seeks to ensure that projects do not cause environmental damage. Project appraisal processes include mechanisms to ensure that no damage is caused to Natura 2000 sites; a specific commitment within the Programme. Secondly, WEFO is applying the key lessons learned from the previous programmes to ensure that environmental opportunities are grasped at the earliest stages of the development of all projects; not just those projects that have a clear environmental purpose. WEFO has produced Environmental Sustainability Guidance tailored to the activity areas. This informs both project sponsors and Project Development Officers. In this way WEFO is seeking to progress environmental development. This approach has been informed by the conclusions from the Strategic Environmental Assessment which provided information to help realise the positive environmental potential and avoid environmental harm.

WEFO is also contributing to the action within Wales’ Environment Strategy which aims to ensure that the delivery of the Programme is consistent with the Environment Strategy. The Programme’s six environmental objectives were derived from the key environmental issues within the Programme area as identified in the Environment Strategy.

Clearly it is important that environmental sustainability informs the project development processes by drawing upon the full range of available expertise. WEFO is also embracing the important link between environmental management and innovation. This includes addressing the environmental aspects of the Programme’s emphasis on innovation and the appointment of environmental innovation specialists.

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vi) Partnerships

In accordance with Article 11 of the General Regulation, the Managing Authority works in close co-operation with both the Commission and representative partners at national, regional and local level, including representatives in the economic, social and environmental spheres. This partnership engagement covered the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Operational Programme.

Preparation of Operational Programme

The main representative partnership input into the preparation of the Programme was provided through the Post-2006 External Stakeholders Group. A public consultation on the Programme also took place prior to submission to the Commission. Full details of the consultation are contained in the Operational Programme.

Implementation of Operational Programme

The active involvement of partners in the implementation of the Operational Programme is a cornerstone of the overall implementation strategy. The Programme Monitoring Committee (further information can be found under section 2.7) will work with the Managing Authority to ensure the effectiveness and quality of the implementation of the Operational Programme. The detailed planning of operations for this Programme will be focused by means of a number of “Strategic Frameworks” (further information can be found under section 2.1).

Monitoring of the Operational Programme

In accordance with the provisions of Article 63, a single Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) will be established for the two Convergence (ERDF and ESF) and the two Regional Competitiveness (ERDF and ESF) programmes in Wales. This will help to maximise the synergies between the respective programmes and promote complementary action across programme boundaries.

Evaluation of the Operational Programme

The Managing Authority will build upon the good practice of the 2000-06 Programme by setting up an Evaluation Advisory Group (EAG). The EAG will be chaired by a senior Managing Authority official. Membership will consist of experts drawn from partner organisations including the European Commission and other stakeholders.

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2.2 COMPLIANCE WITH COMMUNITY LAW

This sub section provides details of any problems encountered whilst implementing the Operational Programme relating to the compliance with Community law. During 2007 no significant problems relating to the compliance with Community law were encountered in the implementation of the Operational Programme.

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2.3 SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND MEASURES TAKEN TO OVERCOME THEM

The following sub section provides details of any problems encountered in implementing the Programme during 2007, including any problems identified under the procedure in Article 62 (1) (d) (i) of Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006.

During 2007 no significant problems were encountered in implementing the Operational Programme, including any problems identified under the procedure in Article 62 (1) (d) (i) of Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006.

Article 62 of Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 states the functions of the Audit Authority.

The Audit Authority for the Programme will be the Welsh Assembly Government. The management functions of the Audit Authority will be exercised by the Internal Audit Service (IAS) under the authority of the relevant Welsh Minister. IAS is functionally independent of WEFO and will be responsible for verifying the effective functioning of the management and control system. The IAS will offer an opinion on the systems of management and control. IAS staff work to internationally accepted audit standards and consist mainly of qualified or part qualified auditors or accountants. Within twelve months of the approval of the Operational Programme a description of the systems, organisation and procedures of the Audit Authority will be produced in accordance with Article 71.

During 2007 plans have been completed to merge the former Article 10 and Article 15 bodies to form the Audit Authority. The merger was effective from January 2008.

The new team has commenced drafting the Audit Strategy and Compliance Assessment Reports which will presented to the Commission by 15 July 2008 and 15 October 2008 respectively. As part of preparation for this process the team has been represented at the 2007 Homologues Conference and participated in and contributed to UK representations to EC Technical meetings, including a specific training session on Control and Audit for UK authorities.

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2.4 CHANGES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

The following sub section provides a description of contextual developments affecting the Programme.

Programme-level Tracking Indicators

Annex 1 shows the latest data available for the Programme-level Tracking Indicators, as identified in the ERDF Convergence Operational Programme. These indicators have been developed to provide a picture of economic growth and progress over time in West Wales and the Valleys, and they overlap closely with the Lisbon Structural Indicators. Performance against these indicators is dependent upon a wider range of factors than Programme performance.

High-level economic

Headline GVA per head in Wales increased to £14,396 in 2006, up from £13,784 in 2005. The latest figure represents 77.3 per cent of the UK average. The sub-regional (NUTS2) GVA per head figure for 2005 for the Programme area increased to £11,598. This figure is equivalent to 65 per cent of the UK average. GDP per head in 2005 (measured in Purchasing Power Parities) for the Programme area was 79 per cent of the EU27 average. The relative position has improved since 1999 when GDP per head was 76.9 per cent of the EU27 average1.

While GVA and GVA per head measure total economic prosperity of a region, Headline Gross Disposable Household Income (GDHI) is used to measure the performance of the economy that most directly impact on individuals and their income. Headline GDHI per head in Wales in 2005 was £11,851 or 89.2 per cent of the UK average, its highest relative level since 1995. Having declined between 1995 and 1999, this proportion has increased in each of the last 5 years. Indeed between 1999 and 2005 headline GDHI per head in Wales increased by 32.3 per cent, a larger increase than the UK as a whole (28.2 per cent) and the highest amongst all UK countries and English regions. Despite these increases, GDHI per head in Wales in 2005 is still low in absolute terms compared to most of the rest of the UK.

GDHI per head in the Programme area in 2005 was £11,630, up from £11,081 in 2004. This now stands at 88 per cent of the figure for Wales as a whole.

Average gross weekly earnings for full-time adults in Wales were £472 in April 2007, 86 per cent of the UK average. Gross weekly earnings in Wales increased by 1.3 per cent between 2006 and 2007 compared to 2.8 per cent across the UK as a whole. However over the period 2001-2007 average earnings in Wales broadly kept pace with the UK. Between 2006 and 2007

1 The source for the data is Eurostat which uses different definitions and different age groupsso is not comparable with the UK data sources.

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mean gross weekly earnings for full-time adults working in the Programme area increased by 1.9 per cent to £460. On both a workplace and a residence basis, full-time earnings in the Programme area increased by more than full-time earnings in East Wales between 2006 and 2007.

2 The source for the data is Eurostat which uses different definitions and different age groupsso is not comparable with the UK data sources. 3 Ibid. The data is only available for the period 2004 to 2006. 4 Ibid.

Labour market

Annual Population Survey data for the year to 30 September 2007 illustrates that the working age employment rate in the Programme area was 69.5 per cent (Wales: 70.9 per cent, UK: 74.1 per cent).

The employment rate was unchanged on 2006 in the Programme area. The rate for Wales as a whole was down 0.3 percentage points while the UK rate was unchanged.

Employment rates in the Programme are above the EU27 average but only increased marginally between 2004 and 2006 compared to an increase of nearly 2 percentage points across the EU27 as a whole2.

The economic inactivity rate amongst working age people in Wales for the year ending September 2007 was 24.9 per cent (21.6 per cent excluding students), unchanged from 2006. In the Programme area the rate was 26.3 per cent (23.4 per cent excluding students), unchanged from 2006.

Economic activity rates in the Programme area are above the EU27 average, but the rate of increase between 2004 and 2006 across West Wales and the Valleys was less than across the EU27 as a whole3.

The unemployment rate (within the economically active population) for Wales for the year ending September 2007 has increased slightly on previous years to 5.5 per cent, up by 0.2 percentage points on 2006. At 5.6 per cent, the latest unemployment rate for the Programme area continues to remain above the all Wales rate (although the gap has closed further).

Unemployment rates across the Programme area are considerably below the average for the EU27 as a whole. However, unemployment rates fell between 2004 and 2006 across the EU27 as a whole so the relative gap between the Programme area and Europe as a whole has narrowed4.

Average migration flows (net flow) into Wales over the period 2003-2006 were 10,400, down from the average figure of 12,400 for the period 2002-2005. The majority of these flows are into the Programme area with average migration flows standing at 7,400 over the period 2003-2006, also down from the average figure of 9,200 for the period 2002-2005.

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Value added per job

GVA per worker in Wales was £31,504 in 2005, up from £30,574 in 2004. At £28,580 in 2005, GVA per worker in the Programme area is below the figure for Wales as a whole, although this has increased from £27,825 in 2004. This is also the case for GVA per hour worked with figures for 2005 illustrating a lower level in the Programme area (£17.70) compared to Wales as a whole (£19.30).

Investment

Over the period 2002 to 2004, business investment as a percentage of GVA in Wales averaged 13.6 per cent. Data are not available for the Programme area.

Innovation

Business Enterprise Research and Development (BERD) expenditure for Wales fell seven per cent in real terms between 2005 and 2006 compared to an increase of 5 per cent across the UK as a whole. The level of BERD expenditure in Wales can be influenced greatly by individual projects commencing or ending in a small number of individual companies therefore the long-term perspective is more useful. Between 1993 and 2006, BERD expenditure in Wales increased by an average of 3 per cent per year. Total research and development expenditure (including Government and Higher Education sectors) was around 1.2 per cent of total Gross Value Added in Wales in 2005. BERD expenditure as a percentage of GVA in Wales has been quite consistent over recent years decreasing slightly to 0.5 per cent in 2006 from 0.6 per cent in 2005.

Also, falling under the innovation category is the indicator of the proportion of sales accounted for by new or improved products, for Wales as a whole this amounted to an average figure of 17.5 per cent over the period 2002 to 2004.

Skills

The latest figures for 2006 show that the proportion of the working-age population that has achieved a formal qualification to the level of at least NQF level 3 is slightly lower in the Programme area (43 per cent) than in Wales as a whole (46 per cent). The latest figures remain similar to those reported for recent years for both areas.

Data for 2006 also show that the percentage of 16-18 year olds educated to at least NQF level 2 has not changed much compared to recent years in both Wales as a whole and the Programme area. In the latter area, the figure for 2006 is 67 per cent, slightly below the figure for Wales which stands at 68 per cent.

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In Wales, the percentage of 19-21 years old educated to at least NQF level 3 in 2006 stood at 52 per cent, up slightly from the previous year. At 48 per cent, the corresponding figure for the Programme area is a little lower.

Between 2005 and 2006, both the Programme area and Wales as a whole experienced a one percentage point increase in the proportion of employees in professional, technical, managerial and scientific employment to reach 34 per cent and 37 per cent respectively. A longer timeframe analysis of the period 2001 to 2006 shows that there was a marked increase in employment across the higher occupational groups in Wales, accounting for almost all the overall increase in employees over that period. This growth explains the increase in average earnings since 2001 with increases amongst the better paid jobs, reductions amongst those in the middle of the distribution with some signs of increase amongst the lowest paid jobs.

Enterprise

For Wales and the Programme area, the Global Entrepreneurship monitor (GEM) reports similar proportions of the adult working age population engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activity in 2007 standing at 5.3 per cent and 5.4 per cent respectively. Both of these rates of activity have fallen slightly compared to 2006.

The VAT registration rate per 10,000 people of working age in the Programme area stood at 35 in 2006 (Wales: 37, UK: 48), up two per 10,000 people of working age population compared to 1999. This compares to a rise of two across Wales and a fall of one for the UK as a whole. Between 2005 and 2006 the rate was unchanged in both Wales as a whole and the Programme area.

Between the start of 1999 and 2007 VAT registered stock levels increased by 8.2 per cent in the Programme area, compared to rises of 8.6 per cent and 14.4 per cent across Wales and the UK as a whole respectively. The stock levels per 10,000 people of working age in the Programme area stood at 455 at the start of 2007, up 22 over 1999. The corresponding figure for Wales is 475 and the UK, 519. Since 1999, these figures have increased by 20 and 40 respectively.

Competition

The value of exports as a proportion of GVA in Wales stood at 22.1 per cent in 2006, up from 21.2 per cent in 2005.

Social Cohesion

In Spring 2006, 14.2 per cent of working age adults in Wales were living in workless households, down from 14.7 per cent in Spring 2005. Data are not available for the Programme area.

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5 http://wales.gov.uk/strategy/strategies/onewales/onewalese.pdf?lang=en

The latest figures for Spring 2006 show that the percentage of children in workless households in Wales has continued to follow the downward trend seen over recent years, falling to 15.5 per cent from 17.3 per cent in Spring 2005. Data are not available for the Programme area.

Equal Opportunities

Average full-time hourly earnings for women in the Programme area in 2007 were 89.9 per cent of the average for men, just above the rate for Wales as a whole. Average full-time hourly earnings for women in Wales in 2007 were 89.7 per cent of the average for men, up from 88.0 per cent in 2006. This percentage was above that for the UK as a whole (82.8 per cent) and second highest after Northern Ireland (92.8 per cent) amongst the UK countries and English regions. Between 1999 and 2007 the gender pay gap in Wales decreased from 14.8 per cent to 10.3 per cent, a narrowing of 4.5 percentage points. The UK gap narrowed from 20.4 per cent to 17.2 per cent, a 3.2 percentage point reduction.

In 2007, in the Programme area average hourly full-time female pay was 89.9 per cent of male pay, up from 89.2 per cent a year earlier.

Sustainable Development

Data are not currently available but expected to be available by the end of 2009.

One Wales

Following elections to the Welsh Assembly Government in May 2007 a coalition government between Labour and Plaid Cymru was agreed with the One Wales5 document outlining a programme for government for the third Welsh Assembly Government.

The One Wales agenda covers seven key themes: A Healthy Future; A Prosperous Society; A Rich and Diverse Culture; Living Communities; Learning for Life; A Sustainable Environment; and A Fair and Just Society. The objectives contained within One Wales fit well with the objectives of the Structural Funds in Wales.

The Programme can make a significant contribution to fulfilling the objectives of One Wales particularly in the context of labour market interventions and job creation – the One Wales aim is to move towards a long term aim of full employment at a rate of 80 per cent. This complements the economic development goals contained within One Wales, which fit very well with those in the Programme, recognising the need to invest in all regions of Wales and working within the framework of the Wales Spatial Plan. One Wales also contains a commitment to work more closely with the European Investment

34

http://wales.gov.uk/strategy/strategies/onewales/onewalese.pdf?lang=en

Bank which in a Structural Fund context can be done through the JEREMIE and JESSICA initiatives.

The Programme also enjoys a good fit with the One Wales objectives to develop skills for future workplace needs, and enhance the links between education, training and learning, and workplace needs.

The Programme aligns with and contributes towards other key Welsh Assembly Government policies and strategies as follows. Further details on these policies are contained in the Operational Programme.

Wales Spatial Plan – People, Places, Futures

The Wales Spatial Plan, People, Places, Futures, is a 20 year plan for the sustainable development of Wales and sets a vision for how each part of Wales should develop economically, socially and environmentally. The Plan was fully considered in developing the strategies of the four 2007 to 2013 Structural Fund Programmes and the thematically and spatially driven ‘Strategic Frameworks’ which will be used, along with other selection and prioritisation criteria, to guide WEFO in the selection of projects.

From January 2008 a lead Minister will be appointed for each of the five Spatial Plan areas with responsibility for promoting collaboration within spatial plan areas; providing a direct link to Cabinet in relation to spatial issues, and ensuring momentum and political buy-in to the spatial plan process. A consultation on the "Wales Spatial Plan Update 2008: People Places Futures" will begin in 2008.

Wales: A Vibrant Economy

Wales: A Vibrant Economy, reviewed in 2005, set the Welsh national economic framework for the 2007–2013 Structural Funds Programmes. The aims of Wales: A Vibrant Economy, taking forward the Lisbon Agenda are: increasing employment by supporting job creation and stimulating growth across Wales; investing in the regeneration of deprived communities and stimulating economic growth across Wales; and helping businesses to grow and increase value-added per job, output and earnings.

Sustainable Development Action Plan 2004–2007

The Welsh Assembly Government’s Sustainable Development Action Plan 2004 – 2007 sets out the need for action across the three pillars of economic, social and environmental development. It means ensuring that our actions support rather than undermine our future. Further information can be found at www.wales.gov.uk/themessustainabledev/content/action-plan-e.pdf

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Environment Strategy

The Environment Strategy, launched in 2006, provides the framework within which to achieve the Welsh Assembly Government’s vision for the environment of Wales for the next 20 years. It has five main themes:

• addressing climate change; • sustainable resource use; • distinctive biodiversity, landscapes and seascapes; • the local environment; and • environmental hazards.

Energy has risen up the EU agenda amid concerns about long term security of supplies and negative environmental impact. The Assembly Government will take account of the outcome of the strategic review of the Energy Policy for Europe.

Skills and Employment Action Plan

During 2007, and as a result of the UK wide Leitch Review of Skills and the need to refresh our approach in Wales, a new skills and employment strategy, “Skills That Work for Wales” is being developed and will be launched for a public consultation exercise in early 2008. There has also been an independent review of the Further Education sector in Wales, chaired by Sir Adrian Webb which has made a series of recommendations that will be considered by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Wales Innovation Action Plan

The drive towards establishing a strong culture of innovation in Wales is described in the ‘Wales Innovation Action Plan’, which was launched in March 2003. Building on this Plan and forming one of the key themes going forward from 2005 onwards is the establishment of the ‘Knowledge Bank for Business’ (KB4B). KB4B aims to provide tailored solutions to individual businesses to help them grow more rapidly and provide a substantial economic impact and ensure greater value for money.

A Science Policy for Wales

The Science Policy for Wales, launched in November 2006, is the Welsh Assembly Government's strategic vision for science, engineering and technology. It addresses areas such as science education, research in science, engineering, technology and maths, and public dialogue on science.

Information and Communication Technology

Considerable progress has been made in recent years in developing a supportive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and development environment via a range of Welsh Assembly Government measures. One of these measures is the project ‘Communities@One’ which

36

was launched in 2006. ‘Communities@One’ seeks to achieve 'digital inclusion' which is social inclusion through the use of technology, in the most deprived areas of Wales.

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2.5 DURABILITY OF OPERATIONS

This sub section provides details of any cases where substantial modification has been detected under Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006. During 2007 no cases were detected.

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2.6 COMPLEMENTARITY WITH OTHER INSTRUMENTS

The following sub section summarises the arrangements made by WEFO, in accordance with its regulatory responsibilities, to ensure demarcation and coordination between ERDF, ESF, the Cohesion Fund, EAFRD, EFF and the interventions of the EIB and other existing financial instruments.

The Programme has been developed to align closely with the ESF Convergence Programme, ensuring that the priorities identified for the two programmes will complement and add value to each other.

The two Programmes will seek to maximise synergies between ERDF and ESF interventions. Use will be made of Article 34 (2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 provides for the ERDF to fund interventions which fall within the scope of the ESF (and vice versa), provided such interventions are necessary for the successful implementation of an operation and have a direct link to that operation. Further details about how this flexibility is deployed can be found under the relevant Priorities in Chapter 4 of the Operational Programme on the WEFO Website at http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/programmes/convergence/erdf/?lang=en In line with Article 37(1) of EC regulation 1083/2006, strict demarcation criteria and mechanisms for co-ordination between the ERDF and ESF on the one hand and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) on the other are set out in the Operational Programme which can be found on the WEFO Website at http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/programmes/convergence/erdf/?lang=en

To date in terms of Programme implementation, demarcation and complementarity is ensured primarily through the PMC, which covers both the ERDF and ESF Convergence programmes for West Wales and the Valleys (as well as the two East Wales programmes) and includes cross-membership of the All-Wales PMC and Rural Development Plan (RDP) PMC. The eligibility rules are also being developed to ensure clear statements regarding eligible activities and sectors under the Convergence programme and RDP. This will be complemented by external guidance for project sponsors which will be made available on the WEFO website.

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http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/programmes/convergence/erdf/?lang=en

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/programmes/convergence/erdf/?lang=en

2.7 MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS

The following sub section provides details of the monitoring and evaluation measures undertaken during 2007 by WEFO and the Programme Monitoring Committee. It includes an overview of evaluations undertaken, the data collection arrangements in place for the Programme, and the All-Wales Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC).

Monitoring and Evaluation

Ex Ante Evaluations of 2007 - 2013 Structural Funds Programmes

The ex ante evaluation process was completed in parallel to the Programme development process. The Programme authors took on the recommendations of the Ex Ante reports, amending later drafts of the Operational Programme.

In early 2007 the contractor had delivered Final Reports for the Ex Ante Evaluation of each of the 2007-2013 Programmes. These were incorporated as part of the Operational Programmes that were agreed with the European Commission and can be found on the WEFO website.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

As part of the Ex Ante Evaluation contract, Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) of the 2007-2013 Programmes were carried out where deemed appropriate after consultation with statutory environmental authorities. During 2006 it was determined that a full SEA was required for the ERDF Convergence Programme but not for the ESF Convergence Programme. In December 2006 the subcontractor, Royal Haskoning, delivered the final version of the ERDF Convergence SEA Environmental Report.

Race and Disability Equality Impact Assessments

The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, which came into force in 2006, set out the requirement for public bodies to promote race equality (known as the Race Equality Duty). Each public body needs to make arrangements for assessing the impact (or likely impact) of its policies and practices, on equalityfor disabled people.

In developing the 2007-2013 Structural Funds Programmes for Wales, WEFO commissioned DTZ to undertake a Race and Disability Equality Impact Assessments (EIAs) during 2007. The key outcome of the process will be recommendations to inform how equality issues should be considered in the shaping of implementation arrangements. The implementation arrangements are considered to be the most critical aspects of Programme development in promoting equality of opportunity. DTZ were asked to review the provisions of the Operational Programmes with a view to identifying whether there are any potential negative impacts for certain Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) or disabled groups. DTZ were also asked to highlight where Programme

40

interventions can maximise the positive benefits to BME or disabled individuals or groups.

DTZ undertook an extensive review of the Programmes and analysis of available literature to complete the EIA reports, which formed the basis for the consultation on the EIAs, which began in January 2008. Final reports are expected in spring 2008.

Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy

Article 48 (1) of EC1083/2006 states that Member States may draw up, where appropriate, under the Convergence objective "an evaluation plan presenting the indicative evaluation activities which the Member State intends to carry out in the different phases of the implementation". WEFO, building on its experiences of the 2000-2006 Programmes, decided to go further than this and has prepared a plan covering the Convergence and Competitiveness programmes. In recognition of the importance of data quality, WEFO has also included monitoring arrangements within the scope of the plan.

The plan comprises: a monitoring strategy; an evaluation strategy; and a monitoring and evaluation plan for 2007/2008. The strategy components cover the whole programming period and the plan looks at the tasks that need to be completed in the early part of the programming period. During 2008 an Evaluation Advisory Group (EAG) will be appointed. One of the first tasks of the EAG will be devising the monitoring and evaluation plan for 2008-2010.

Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance

For the 2007-2013 Structural Fund Programme WEFO has outlined new monitoring and evaluation requirements (including the need for externally contracted evaluation for all projects awarded £2 million grant or more). To support projects in meeting these requirements the WEFO Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Team has put together a new package of guidance material including: a new guidance document, which identifies key issues for projects; a monitoring and evaluation plan template; a template for an evaluation specification; indicator definitions; and a sample participant data collection sheet. The new monitoring and evaluation guidance can be found on the WEFO website at http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/delivering/monitoringandevaluating/monitoringevaluationguidance/?lang=en Data Collection Arrangements

WEFO is developing a new database, Programme and Project Information Management System (PPIMS) which will be used for the 2007-2013 Structural Fund Programmes. This will be accessed through “WEFO Online”. This service allows organisations receiving funding from WEFO to send information over the Internet; to view records online and to generally interact, share information and conduct business with WEFO via the Internet.

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http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/delivering/monitoringandevaluating/monitoringevaluationguidance/?lang=en

The organisations applying for grant funding will need to register and enrol with the Government Gateway, so that they can access the WEFO Online Service. This will allow project sponsors to complete an interactive Expression of Interest (EOI), to submit case and business party level documentation and also to complete their delivery profile online. The WEFO Online Service will also allow project sponsors to follow the status of their project and will provide a clear audit trail from EOI stage right the way through to post approval claims and submission of monitoring data including fulfilling the requirements of Annex XXIII of Commission Regulation 1828/2006.

The new system will improve the efficiency of transactional processes by streamlining the grant processes. It will remove many of the administrative and repetitive tasks improving customer experience and satisfaction. There will be greater emphasis on providing support to applicants to ensure good quality projects assist WEFO in achieving its policy objectives. PPIMS will facilitate the timely provision of accurate management information to applicants on the status of their application and ensure that targets are met and desired outcomes are achieved.

This improved management system will help to ensure that money is spent on the best strategic industrial and infrastructure projects and the most deserving social projects. This will result substantial benefits to Wales by realising the maximum value of all available structural funds monies. Parts of the PPIMS system are already operational, and the system should be fully operational by early autumn.

Programme Monitoring Committee

In accordance with the provisions of Article 63 of Regulation 1083/2006, a single Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) was established for the four Structural Fund programmes.

The membership of the PMC has been constituted in compliance with the provisions of Article 11. Partners have been drawn from regional, local and other public authorities; economic and social partners and other appropriate bodies representing civil society and the Cross Cutting Themes of sustainable development and equality. It comprises a chair representing the Managing Authority, a panel of ten expert members appointed via the public appointments process and a further 14 members nominated on a representative basis from amongst partners. The European Commission, staff of WEFO, and the European Investment Bank participate in an advisory capacity. WEFO is committed to achieving a minimum representation of 40 per cent for each gender and complementarity with the RDP and EFF.

Membership of the All Wales PMC can be found on the WEFO Website at http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/programmes/allwalespmc/?lang=en

The new All Wales PMC met twice in shadow form in May and July 2007, and then became legally constituted at its meeting on 13 September 2007 for the two Convergence programmes and the ERDF Competitiveness Programme.

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http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/programmes/allwalespmc/?lang=en

The PMC met two further times in 2007 as the fully constituted PMC for the four Structural Fund programmes. Two subcommittees – one for ERDF and one for ESF have been established to support the PMC in monitoring the programmes but have not met.

Decisions taken by the All Wales PMC throughout 2007 include:

10 and 11 May 2007 (shadow PMC)

• Discussion of Rules of Procedure - establishing the principles of operation of the partnership

• Discussion of establishment of two standing sub-committees

12 July 2007 (shadow PMC)

• Discussion of Project Prioritisation and Selection Criteria - in accordance with Article 65 of 1083/2006

• Discussion of arrangements for reporting Programme progress – agreement on the format of future reports to the PMC on programme progress

13 September 2007 (Full PMC for 2 Convergence programmes and ERDFCompetitiveness programme; shadow PMC for ESF competitiveness)

• Agreement to PMC Rules of Procedure • Agreement of Duties of the PMC in accordance with Article 65 • Agreement on the establishment of Standing Sub-Committees • Agreement of Project Selection and Prioritisation Criteria - in accordance

with Article 65 of 1083/2006 • PMC consideration of 3 Strategic Frameworks (two ERDF, one ESF)

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18 October 2007 (Full PMC for four Welsh programmes)

• Agreement that Rules of Procedure and Project selection and prioritisation also apply to East Wales ESF programme.

• Consideration of 16 Strategic Frameworks (11 ERDF, five ESF) • Agreement of revised Rules of Procedure • Agreement of revised Establishment of Standing Sub-Committees

6 December 2007 (Full PMC for four Welsh programmes)

• Elaboration of Selection and Prioritisation for ERDF Convergence Priority 5

• Consideration of two ESF Strategic Frameworks • Conducting Bilingual Meetings • Discussion of the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Decisions to date cover all four programmes. Although the committee had no legal basis to formally agree decisions on the East Wales ESF Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programme until the 18 October 2007 meeting, the same papers/decisions were revisited at that meeting. There was no revision or modification of the papers, which now stand as formal decisions for the four programmes.

All PMC papers are available on the WEFO website at http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/programmes/allwalespmc/?lang=en

Project Inspection and Verification team

The Project Inspection and Verification team is continuing with strong links with outside bodies to deliver the awareness and importance of project monitoring. Meetings have taken place with potential sponsors to advise on project monitoring and to discuss common issues.

The Project Inspection and Verification team have produced a new Project Monitoring, Management and Control System Guidance which has taken into account lessons learned from the 2000-2006 Structural Funds Programmes. They are both available to project sponsors on the WEFO website both in English and Welsh.

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http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/programmes/allwalespmc/?lang=en

SECTION 3: IMPLEMENTATION BY PRIORITY

The following Section provides details about the physical and financial progress of the Programme by Priority during 2007.

3.1 PRIORITY 1: BUILDING THE KNOWLEDGE BASED ECONOMY

3.1.1 ACHIEVEMENT OF TARGETS AND ANALYSIS OF THE PROGRESS

Table 5 shows progress against the Priority 1 Indicators, as identified in the Operational Programme.

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Table 5: Priority 1 Indicators

OutputsAchievement 0 0Target 5,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 500BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 25BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 7BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 15BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 20BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 2,500BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 250Baseline

Individuals assisted (number)



Initiatives addressing barriers to ICT uptake (number)

Open access infrastructure points(number)

Individuals financially supported (number)

Enterprises financially supported(number)

Innovation centres and R&D facilitiesdeveloped (m2)

-

-

-

-

102,500 enterprises active, 2003 (WAG, 2004, Size Analysis of Welsh Business)


-

-

2015 Total2012 2013 2014Indicator 20112009 20102007 2008

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ResultsAchievement 0 0Target 10,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 159,000,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 70BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 5,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 150,000,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 150BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 50BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 20%Baseline

Profit benefit (£)

Gross jobs created (FTE*)

Jobs accommodated (number)

Investment induced (£)

New or improved products,processes or services launched(number)

Products, processes or servicesregistered (number)

Enterprises adopting or improving Environmental ManagementSystems (%)

Enterprises accommodated(number)

£231 million all Wales business R&D spend, 2005 (ONS, 2006, UK Business Enterprise Research and Development)

-

-

-


-

116 all Wales patent applications granted Wales, 2004 (The Patent Office Facts and Figures 2004-05)

-

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total

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48

Achievement 0 0Target 50%

BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 20Baseline

Flexibility IndicatorsAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -Baseline


* Full Time Equivalent

Participants entering further learning(number)

Participants (number)

Participants gaining qualifications(number)

Enterprises created (number)

Enterprises adopting or improving equality and strategies and monitoring systems (%)

-

-

-

-

-

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total

Qualitative Analysis

At end 2007 no projects had been approved under this Priority due to work on establishing systems and developing projects. Financial data and an analysisof Programme achievement as measured by indicators will be included in future AIRs. During implementation the monitoring system will collect gender breakdown for all indicators, where relevant. This will be shown in future AIRs.

Innovation, R&D and Technology Strategic Framework

WEFO has been actively working with potential project sponsors and their Project Ideas using the Framework as a key document to consider strategic fit. This has involved meeting with potential sponsors and holding discussions with Framework leads in terms of activity and objectives of the project ideas. A small number of requests for Expressions of Interest were received by end 2007 with early approvals expected first quarter of 2008.

Converged Communication, e-Business and Community Exploitation of ICTStrategic Framework

Using the Framework as a key document to consider strategic fit, WEFO has been actively working with potential project sponsors and their Project Ideas. This has involved meeting with potential sponsors and holding discussions with Framework leads in terms of activity and objectives of the project ideas. It is anticipated that Expressions of Interest will be submitted early part of 2008 with approvals thereafter.

Assistance by target groups

There is nothing to report against specifically targeted groups, sectors or areas in 2007. However, data will be available in future AIRs.

Significant problems encountered and measures taken to overcome them

During 2007 no significant problems were encountered in implementing the Priority, including any problems identified under the procedure in Article 62 (1) (d) (i) of Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006.

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3.2 PRIORITY 2: IMPROVING BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS



50


OutputsAchievement 0 0Target 9,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 900BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 7,700BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 770BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 200BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 100Baseline -


-

-

-

2007



Enterprises financially supported (number)

Individuals assisted to set up a newenterprise (number)

Individuals financially supported toset up a new enterprise (number)

20112009 20102008 2015 Total2012 2013 2014Indicator

Social enterprises assisted (number)

Social enterprises financiallysupported (number)

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ResultsAchievement 0 0Target 11,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 20%BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 143,000,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 135,000,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 34,650,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 50%BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 5,000Baseline

Increase in level of export (£)

Enterprises adopting or improvingequality and strategies and monitoring systems (%)Enterprises created (number)


£8,645 million all Wales export, 2005 (HM Revenue and Customs)

-



-

-

Indicator 2007


Enterprises adopting or improvingEnvironmental ManagementSystems (%)Profit benefit (£)


2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total

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53

Flexibility IndicatorsAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -Baseline




Participants entering employment(number)

Participants entering further learning (number)


-

-

-

-

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total


At end 2007 no projects had been approved under this Priority due to work on establishing systems and developing projects. Financial data and an analysisof Programme achievement as measured by indicators will be included in future AIRs. During implementation the monitoring system will collect gender breakdown for all indicators, where relevant. This will be shown in future AIRs

Enterprise Strategic Framework

WEFO has been actively working with potential project sponsors and their Project Ideas using the Framework as a key document to consider strategic fit. This has involved meeting with potential sponsors and holding discussions with Framework leads in terms of activity and objectives of the project ideas. A small number of requests for Expressions of Interest were received by the end of December 2007 with early approvals expected first quarter of 2008.

Business Finance Strategic Framework

The Framework links to the Commission’s JEREMIE (Joint European Resources for Micro and Medium Enterprise) initiative which will enable European Member States and Regions to use part of their Structural Funds to obtain a set of financial instruments that are specifically designed to support micro and small and medium enterprises.

Using the Framework as a key document to consider strategic fit, WEFO has been actively working with potential project sponsors and their Project Ideas. This has involved meeting with potential sponsors and holding discussions with Framework leads in terms of activity and objectives of the project ideas. A small number of requests for Expressions of Interest were received by the end of December 2007 with early approvals expected first quarter of 2008.





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3.3 PRIOTITY 3: DEVELOPING STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A MODERN ECONOMY



55


OutputsAchievement 0 0Target 2,500,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 7BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 30BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 10BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 50BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 10Baseline

-

-

78,341,000 vehicle km, 2005/06 (Department for Transport)

-

-

2,196km of road, 2006 (WAG)

Land developed (ha)

Footpath or cycleway created orreconstructed (km)

Access route created orreconstructed (km)

Railroads created or reconstructed (km)

Intermodal facilities created orimproved (number)

Public transport services created orimproved (vehicle km)

2015 Total2012 2013 2014Indicator 20112009 20102007 2008

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ResultsAchievement 0 0Target 1,000,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 12,500,000

Baseline

Achievement 0 0Target 25,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 15%BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 750BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 150BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 1,000Baseline 777,000 workplace employment, 2005 (WAG, 2006 Workplace Employment by Industry in Wales)

-

-

-

-

52,242,000t, 2005 (Department for Transport)

66,000,000 bus passenger journeys, 2005/06 (Department for Transport); 5,934,000 rail passenger journeys, 2004/05 (Office of Rail Regulation)

Premises created or refurbished - ofwhich learning infrastructure (%)

Premises created or refurbished (m2)

Gross passenger kilometres onpublic transport (passenger km)

Goods on rail or sea freight (t)


SMEs accommodated (number)


Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total

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58

Flexibility IndicatorsAchievement 0 0Target 375Baseline



-

Participants accommodated (number)

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Total2012 2013 2014 2015


At end 2007 no projects had been approved under this Priority due to work on establishing systems and developing projects. Financial data and an analysis of Programme achievement as measured by indicators will be included in future AIRs. During implementation the monitoring system will collect gender breakdown for all indicators, where relevant. This will be shown in future AIRs

Sustainable Transport Strategic Framework

Discussions were held with potential Sponsors during the later part of 2007 that had placed Project Ideas on the WEFO website. This preparatory work is likely to realise a number of significant projects coming forward in early 2008.

Sustainable Regeneration Strategic Framework - Strategic Infrastructure

Discussions have been held with potential Sponsors that have placed Project Ideas on the website and, although these discussions are at an early stage, the indications are that the planning and development of some projects is at an advanced stage with the identification of potential match funding and the detailed contribution that the project could make to the achievement of Priority level indicators having taken place. This is likely to see a number of significant projects coming forward in 2008.





3.4 PRIORITY 4: CREATING AN ATTRACTIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT



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OutputsAchievement 0 0Target 150BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 14BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 15BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 21BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 15BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 25Baseline


-

-

-

-

-



Environmental risk management initiatives (number)

Initiatives developing the naturaland/or historic environment (number)

Managed access to countryside orcoast (km)

Number of Renewable EnergyProjects (number)

2015Indicator 20112009 20102007 2008 Total2012 2013 2014

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Results

Achievement 0 0

Target 50%

Baseline

Achievement 0 0Target 400BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 600BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 100

Baseline

Achievement 0 0Target 28BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 145,000,000Baseline

-

18,700kt CO2 emissions (end user basis), 2004 (DEFRA, 2006, Experimental Statistics on carbon dioxide emissions at LAand Regional Level)

-


-

1,223 GWh all Wales, 2005 (DTI, 2006, Energy Trends)


Reduction in greenhouse emissions (ktC)

New or improved products,processes or services launched(number)

Enterprises adopting or improving equality and diversity strategies and monitoring systems (%)

Renewable energy generated (GWh)

Energy saved (GWh)

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total

61

Achievement 0 0Target 1,000,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 14BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 2,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 196,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 5,000BaselineAchievement 0 0

Target 25%Baseline


-

484,000t all Wales municipal waste recycled or composted, 2005-06 (WAG, 2007, Key Environment Statistics for Wales)


-

8,040,000 visits, annual average 2003-05 (WAG)

Visits (number)


Enterprises operating environmentalmanagement systems at a level that requires monitoring and reporting ofcarbon emissions (%)

Waste reduced, reused or recycled(t)

Enterprises created (number)

People benefiting from floodprotection measures (number)

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total

62

63

Flexibility IndicatorsAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -Baseline



-

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

-

-

2013 2014 2015 Total


Participants entering further learning(number)



At end 2007 no projects had been approved under this Priority due to work on establishing systems and developing projects. Financial data and an analysisof Programme achievement as measured by indicators will be included in future AIRs. During implementation the monitoring system will collect gender breakdown for all indicators, where relevant. This will be shown in future AIRs.

Climate Change Strategic Framework

By end 2007 a wide range of organisations had taken the first step in the development of proposals under the framework. Informal discussions and meetings were held with a number of stakeholders with a view to encouraging collaborative working, assessing fit with frameworks, and achievement of programme targets. This is expected to result in a number of projects coming forward early in 2008 and progressing to detailed development stage. WEFO continued to monitor interest very closely to identify potential gaps, ensuring regular dialogue with Policy colleagues including Framework Co-ordinators.

Materials Efficiency – Waste Management Strategic Framework

By end 2007 WEFO has completed extensive discussions with potential project sponsors that have placed project ideas on the website. A number of meetings were held with stakeholders with a view to encourage collaborative working, assessing the fit with the framework and ensuring the eligibility of all the prospective sponsors. As a result, it is expected that a number of projects will come forward in early 2008 and progress into the detailed development stage. WEFO has continued to monitor interest closely and ensure regular dialogue with policy colleagues and framework co-ordinators.

Sustainable Regeneration Strategic Framework - Environment for Growth

Discussions have been held with potential Sponsors that have placed Project Ideas on the website and, although these discussions are at an early stage, the indications are that the planning and development of some projects is at an advanced stage with the identification of potential match funding and the detailed contribution that the project could make to the achievement of Priority level indicators having taken place. This is likely to see a number of significant projects coming forward in 2008.





64

3.5 PRIORITY 5: BUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES



65


OutputsAchievement 0 0Target 30BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 2BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 200BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 100BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 50BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 25Baseline

Individuals assisted to set up a newsocial enterprise (number)

Individuals financially supported toset up a new social enterprise(number)

-

-

-

-

-

-

Physical improvement schemes(number)

Land developed (ha)

Organizations assisted (number)

Organizations financially supported (number)

Total2012 2013 2014 2015Indicator 20112009 20102007 2008

66

ResultsAchievement 0 0Target 10,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 50BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 150BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 6,200BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 3,000,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 100,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 30BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 50%BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 20%Baseline

Organizations adopting or improvingenvironmental management systems (%)

Premises created or refurbished (m2)

Enterprises accommodated(number)




People accessing services (number)

Social enterprises created (number)

Organization adopting or improvingequality strategies and monitoringsystems (%)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total

67

68

Flexibility IndicatorsAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -Baseline



Childcare places taken up (number)



Participants entering employment (number)

-

-

-

-

-Participants entering further learning(number)

Indicator 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total


At end 2007 no projects had been approved under this Priority due to work on establishing systems and developing projects. Financial data and an analysisof Programme achievement as measured by indicators will be included in future AIRs. During implementation the monitoring system will collect gender breakdown for all indicators, where relevant. This will be shown in future AIRs

Community Economic Development Strategic Framework

Discussions have been held with potential project sponsors that have placed Project Ideas on the website and, although these discussions are at an early stage the indications are that the planning and development of some projects is at an advanced stage with the identification of potential match funding and the detailed contribution that the project could make to the achievement of Priority indicators having taken place. This is likely to see a number of significant projects coming forward in 2008.

Sustainable Regeneration Strategic Framework – Physical Regeneration

The PMC agreed to the spatial targeting of resources within Priority 5 on forty four settlements based on the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2005. Discussions have been held with potential Sponsors that have placed Project Ideas on the website and, although these discussions are at an early stage, the indications are that the planning and development of some projects is at an advanced stage with the identification of potential match funding and the detailed contribution that the project could make to the achievement of Priority level indicators having taken place. This is likely to see a number of significant projects coming forward in 2008.





69

SECTION 4: COHERENCE AND CONCENTRATION

The following Section is not applicable to the ERDF Convergence Programme.

70

SECTION 5: MAJOR PROJECTS

The following Section provides details of the progress of major projects.

At end 2007 no major projects had been approved under the Programme.

71

SECTION 6: TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

The following Section provides details about the use made of Technical Assistance under the Programme during 2007.

Technical Assistance is utilized under the Programme to ensure the efficient and effective management of the Programme and work has been undertaken to devise a strategy to consider how the resources could be used most effectively.

At end 2007 no projects had been approved under the Technical Assistance Priority.

The percentage of the amount of the Structural Funds contribution allocated to the Programme spent under technical assistance was zero.

72

SECTION 7: INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY

The following Section provides details about the measures taken to implement the Communications plan during 2007.

In accordance with Article 69 of Regulation (EC) 1083/2006, WEFO has undertaken publicity activities for the Programme during 2007.

WEFO Website

The WEFO bilingual website (www.wefo.wales.gov.uk and www.wefo.cymru.gov.uk) continues to be WEFO’s main promotional and communication tool, holding a wealth of information on the 2007–2013 programmes.

It facilitates many of the WEFO’s core programme business functions from the publication of programming documents and other appropriate guidance (eligibility criteria, research and evaluation, cross cutting themes, information and publicity etc), consultation details on the development and delivery arrangements of the 2007-2013 programmes, and access to the first stage of the formal application process for the 2007-2013 programmes.

In line with Article 7 of Commission Regulation 1083/2006, there will be a dedicated website page showing a list of beneficiaries awarded funding under the programming round. Here, to ensure compliance with EC Regulations and to aid transparency of the programmes’ operations, all target groups will be able to search beneficiary information by Programme, Fund, Priority and Theme, organisation, the name of the operation and main aims, amount of ERDF/ESF grant committed and the amount of ERDF and/or ESF grant allocation paid after project completion. Whilst the website is being refreshed, these data are being published as pdf documents.

Newsletters

Five issues of WEFO's bilingual newsletter, EU4U, were published during 2007 and distributed to a registered target audience (over 1,100) comprising key stakeholders, partners, and potential beneficiaries and beneficiaries. The newsletters informed them of the latest developments of the 2007–2013 programmes.

Events

With all of the four ERDF and ESF Operational Programmes 2007–2013 legally agreed by the European Commission during the summer/early autumn 2007, in line with Article 7 of Commission Regulation 1083/2006, official launch events of the ESF Convergence Programme took place on 20 September 2007 (Swansea, South Wales), the Programme on 5 October 2007 (Llandudno, North Wales) and the and the ERDF and ESF Regional Competitiveness Programmes on 26 November 2007 (Llandrindod Wells, East Wales).

73

http://www.wefo.cymru.gov.uk/

Publications

Brochures for each of the 2007-2013 programmes were published in 2007 to highlight the funding opportunities available, as well as to showcase best practice projects from the 2000-2006 programmes.

The project case studies included in the brochures were also used as a part of a series of advertorial features placed in national newspapers in autumn 2007, complementing the official launches of the 2007-2013 programmes.

Promotional Items

Banners, pop-up stands, pens, posters, bookmarks, badges, mugs, and carrier bags were among the various promotional items made available at WEFO events in order to publicise the Structural Funds programmes in Wales. In view of the success of these promotional items as a cost-effective way of raising awareness of and promoting the funds, and taking into account environmental sustainability, memory sticks are now widely distributed which can source information such as the Operational Programmes, Information and Publicity Guidelines. Stress balls, post-it notes, lanyards and items obtained directly from the Commission have been added to WEFO's stock.

Helpline / Enquiries

A bilingual WEFO Helpline (0845 010 3355) was launched by WEFO in March 2007 to provide a professional advice service on all aspects of the Structural Funds programmes. During 2007 WEFO promoted the Helpline through various information and publicity measures, including the website, EU4U and promotional items, all of which have helped to increase the volume of enquiries since its official launch. The telephone enquiry line is complemented by an email enquiries address ([email protected]) which has been operational since 2000.

Press and Press Releases

Press Releases, announcements and diary markers continued to be issued during 2007. Many of these announced project launches and activities which resulted in positive media coverage in both print and broadcast press.

The progress of negotiations with the European Commission on the 2007–2013 Operational Programmes also presented an opportunity to promote the benefits of the Structural Funds programmes in Wales; for example, the agreement and launch of the 2007-2013 programmes in summer / autumn 2007 attracted much interest from the media and press, stakeholders and opinion formers on how the 2007-2013 programming period would build on the success of the 2000–2006 programmes.

All press releases and announcements continue to be published on the WEFO website for information.

74

mailto:[email protected]

The First Minister and the Minister for the Economy and Transport also gave interviews (radio, television and newspaper) during 2007 to publicise the benefits of the Structural Funds in Wales.

WEFO uses a press cuttings service to facilitate the monitoring of press in local and regional newspapers, with the Structural Funds frequently and widely reported in a favourable or factual way.

Communications Plan

In accordance with the provisions of Article 69 of Regulation (EC) 1083/2006, WEFO is required to undertake a programme of communications activity to promote the 2007-2013 Structural Funds programmes in Wales.

A draft Communications Plan addressing the information and publicity measures for the 2007-2013 programmes was presented to the All-Wales PMC on 6 December 2007. Following PMC and European Commission comments, the final Communications Plan was submitted to the Commission in 2008.

The Communications Plan is a strategic seven-year document and will be supported by annual (calendar year) information and publicity plans from 2008 onwards which will identify the main publicity priorities and actions for that year.

Table 10, below, shows progress made against the Communication Plan Indicators at end 2007.

75

Table 10: Communications Plan Indicators

OutputsAchievement 5 5Target - 33BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 100%BaselineAchievement 3 3Target - 10BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -Baseline

20112009 20102007 2008

Percentage of projects provided withplaques

Events organised by WEFO

Total2012 2013 2014 2015Indicator

High profile project launches

Press releases issued

-

-

-

-

-

-

e-newsletters issued

Advertorials issued

76

77

Achievement 361,355 361,355Target - 1,500,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -Baseline

ResultsAchievement 0 0Target 2,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 1,000BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 90%BaselineAchievement 0 0Target -BaselineAchievement 0 0Target 90%Baseline


Total2012 2013 2014 20152008 2009 2010 2011Indicator 2007

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Website visits

Helpline enquiries received –telephone

Helpline enquiries received – email

Subscriptions to e-newsletter

People attending events

People satisfied with event

Press cuttings

Press cutting carrying positivecoverage

ANNEX 1

PROGRAMME-LEVEL TRACKING INDICATORS

ERDF Convergence 2007 Annual Implementation Report Annex 1: Programme-level Tracking Indicators

Annex 1: Programme-level Tracking Indicators

Category Indicator OP Baseline Data 2007 Data Wales Programme

area Date Wales Programme

area Date

High-level economic 1 GVA (£ per capita)i 13,316 11,126 2004 14,396 11,598 2006

2 Household disposable income (£ per capita) i 11,278 11,021 2004 11,851 11,630 2005

3 Employment rate (within working age population) i 71.2 69.5 2005 70.9 69.5

Year ending September

2007

4 Average earnings (£, weekly, full-time, including overtime) i 470 456 2006 472 460 2007

Labour market

5 Economic inactivity rate (within working age population) 24.8 26.4 2005 24.9 26.3


2007

5a

Economic inactivity rate excluding students (within working age population) 21.8 23.7 2005 21.6 23.4


2007

6 Unemployment rate (within economically active population) i 5.1 5.4 2005 5.5 5.6


2007

7 Migration flows (net flow into area) 12,400 9,200

Avg mid-02 to mid-05 10,400 7,400

Avg mid-03 to mid-06

Value added per job 8a GVA (£ per worker) i 30,555 27,621 2004 31,504 28,580 2005 8b GVA (£ per hour worked) i 18.5 17.1 2004 19.3 17.7 2005

Investment 9

Business investment as a percentage of GVA i, ii 13.8 ..

Avg 2002 to 2004 13.6 ..

Avg 2002 to 2004

Innovation

10

Gross domestic expenditure on research and development as a percentage of GVA iii 1.2 ..

Avg 2002 to 2004 1.2 ..

Avg 2003 to 2005

11

Business Enterprise Research & Development (BERD) expenditure (percentage of GVA) 0.6 .. 2005 0.5 .. 2006

12 Proportion of sales accounted for by new or improved products iv 17.5 ..

Avg 2002 to 2004 17.5 ..

Avg 2002 to 2004





area Date

Skills

13

Qualifications of working age population (percentage educated to at least NQF level 3) 45 43 2005 46 43 2006

13a

Qualifications of 16-18 year olds (percentage educated to at least NQF level 2) i 67 64 2005 68 67 2006

13b

Qualifications of 19-21 year olds (percentage educated to at least NQF level 3) i 51 47 2005 52 48 2006

14

Proportion of employees in professional, technical, managerial and scientific employment 36 33 2005 37 34 2006

Enterprise

15

Total entrepreneurial activity1, as measured by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 5.5 5.2 2005 5.3 5.4 2007

15a New VAT registrations per head of working population 36 34 2005 37 35 2006

15b

Stock of VAT-registered businesses per head of working population 457 439 01-Jan 2006 475 455 2007

Competition 17 Exports as a percentage of GVA 21.1 .. 2005 22.1 .. 2006

Social cohesion

18 Percentage of working age adults in workless households v 14.2 .. Spring 2006 14.2 .. Spring 2006

19 Percentage of children in workless households v 15.5 .. Spring 2006 15.5 .. Spring 2006

Equal opportunities

20

Female earnings as a percentage of male earnings (hourly, full-time, excluding overtime) v 89.2 89.5 2006 89.7 89.9 2007





area Date

Sustainable development

21

Quantity of industrial and commercial, construction and municipal waste produced per

annum 2 (Mt)v 13.22 .. .. 13.22 .. ..

22 Ratio of Carbon emissions to

Gross Value Added3, vi .. .. .. .. .. ..

.. Not Available i Indicator similar to short listed Lisbon Structural Indicator. ii Indicator not currently available at NUTS 1 or NUTS 2 level, may become available. iii Indicator not currently available at NUTS 2 level, may become available. iv Indicator not available at NUTS 2 level, unlikely to become available. v Indicator not in W:AVE, alternative proposed. vi Indicator not in W:AVE, alternative proposed. Data not currently available but expected to be available by end 2009.

1 Total early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) is defined as the percentage of the adult working age population actively participating in the process of starting up a new business, or currently active. 2 Industrial 4.24 Mt (2003); Commercial 1.03 Mt (2003); Municipal 1.77 Mt (2003); and Construction 6.18 Mt (2004). Amount of construction waste not available for 2004 and data for all other categories not available for 2004. 3 Data not currently available due to unavailability of a constant price GVA/GDP series. However, this is expected to be available by end 2009, but only at all-Wales level.

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