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Parliamentary question - P-005887/2015Parliamentary question
P-005887/2015

Use of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Question for written answer P-005887-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jude Kirton-Darling (S&D)

Beamish is an open air, interactive museum based in the North-East of England which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It provides entertainment and education for visitors, jobs and training for local citizens and an important boost for the local economy. It is also an example of a successful not-for-profit enterprise. Investment in developing Beamish was included in the North-East Strategic Plan submitted to form part of the UK’s plan for allocating 2014-20 EU funds.

Many English not-for-profit enterprises and cultural attractions have previously benefited from EU funding, including from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). However, Beamish and other not-for-profit cultural enterprises have been informed that they are no longer eligible for EU funding under the forthcoming and much delayed English Operational Programme 2014-20. The North East Strategic Plan was amended accordingly by central government.

In view of the above, does the Commission consider that ERDF funds should be used to promote good local enterprise projects, regardless of the type of enterprise?

Why has the draft English Operational Programme excluded not-for-profit cultural enterprises from ERDF spending?

Are not-for-profit cultural enterprises included in other national ERDF operational programmes?