Equal funding

The allocation of funds to the UK for Equal has been split between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar.

Northern Ireland operates and funds its own programme arrangements except for those for asylum seekers.

There is one single funding stream for asylum seekers which covers all of the UK.

There have been two calls for Equal, one in 2001 and the second in 2004. Approximately 50% of the budget is available for each round.

The maximum funding Equal can provide is 50% of the total costs of a DP. The balance must be provided by match funding.

The financial distribution of funds taking account of the relative priority of each theme as defined in the GB CIP is as follows:

Distribution of Equal funds in each theme
EES pillar GB Indicative split to theme
Employability 40% Theme A: 30%
Theme B: 10%
Entrepreneurship 20% Theme C: 10%
Theme D: 10%
Adaptability 25% Theme E: 12.5%
Theme F: 12.5%
Equal opportunities 5% Theme G: 0%
Theme H: 5%
Asylum seekers* 5% Theme I: 5%
Technical assistance 5%

* The asylum seeker provision covers all of the UK and is based on the assumption that this support is restricted to those seeking asylum, and immediate support in their transition to the labour market once a positive decision is taken. The more general needs of refugees are therefore to be addressed through the rest of the Equal programme.

Funding for Equal is provided under four Actions within each thematic field:

  1. setting up Development Partnerships and transnational co-operation: 5% of the budget
  2. implementing the work programmes of the Development Partnerships: 75% of the budget
  3. thematic networking, dissemination of good practice and making an impact on national policy: 15% of the budget
  4. technical assistance to support Actions 1, 2 and 3: 5% of the budget

Actions 1 and 2 are sequential. Development Partnerships should be in a position to begin Action 3 at the earliest point that results are available to disseminate.

More about Equal

About Equal

An overview of Equal providing background information and programme context.

Delivering Equal

Details of how Equal operates and the stages of the programme.

Equal administration

Information about the Great Britain Monitoring Committee and other management structures.

First round

Details of the distribution of first round DPs by theme and geographically.

Timetable

Key dates for implementation of the Equal programme.

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