Ian Pearson Confirms Areas For Support From The Ł50 Million Integrated Development Fund

12 August 2003
IAN PEARSON CONFIRMS AREAS FOR SUPPORT FROM THE Ł50 MILLION INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT FUND
Ian Pearson today confirmed the initial areas for potential support from the Ł50m Integrated Development Fund (IDF) which was established to promote greater local partnership working to produce and implement integrated development strategies for local areas. The strategies should complement existing Government strategies for economic, social, community or physical renewal. Ł20m is available during this financial year and Ł30m next year.

Launching the Fund, Ian Pearson said:
"When I first outlined the Integrated Development Fund at the end of March, I suggested that the North West and the work of the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforces may have a strong case as priority for support from the Fund. In April, I requested that work should begin to produce integrated development strategies for these areas. I have also indicated that the South Down Fishing Villages Taskforce might also draw on Integrated Development Fund support.

"Today, I am pleased to confirm that Ministers have agreed that I should formally seek plans from the North West, West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforces and the South Down Fishing Villages Taskforce which could be supported from the Integrated Development Fund.

"Funding will not be automatic, but will depend on robust integrated local development proposals, which have a sound associated business case and a realistic overall Integrated Development Fund bid to support its implementation. A key requirement will be the full involvement of all relevant agencies in the production of each integrated development plan. Final plans will also need to ensure there is no duplication of funding from any other sources and demonstrate value for money. The Integrated Development Fund should help support those elements of the development strategy that could not be supported from other means."

The Minister said that he has written to the Chairs of ILEX, the Urban Regeneration Company in the North West, the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Taskforce Liaison Group and the South Down Fishing Villages Taskforce to invite them formally to submit comprehensive plans to be carried forward through an integrated approach, and looked forward to seeing each plan at the earliest opportunity.

He concluded: "My announcement today does not rule out the possibility of using the Integrated Development Fund to support plans in other areas in due course. I will wish to assess progress within the initial areas identified and, in light of this and depending on future Budget decisions, the Fund could be extended to other areas to assist in the implementation of agreed integrated development strategies."

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