The European Union
Structural Fund guidance from the commission and BIS outlines the use of
Community Led Local Development (CLLD) as a method of addressing challenges identified
within a specific geographic community.
Developed in
rural areas as the LEADER programme, its use has now been widened to include
Urban areas.
This proposal
explores the possibility of promoting the Social Enterprise Network within
Digbeth, Cheapside and Highgate as a CLLD.
THE AREA
Digbeth,
Cheapside and Highgate contain a large number of Social Enterprises as well as
some of the most deprived communities within the Greater Birmingham LEP.
The
population of the area is about 10 -12,000
Developing a
Local Action Group (LAG) within this area will build on, and develop, a number
of current initiatives. The Social
Enterprise Network, a vibrant residents association that is already engaged in
community action and economic development activity, as well as venues that
address social inclusion issues for residents, including young people, within
the area, will enhance the LAG’s ability to deliver and develop socially innovative
and inclusive responses to issues that can be replicated across the area.
Social
Enterprises, Private and Public Sector as well as community groups already
co-exist within the area, with an economic interdependence that is unprecedented
in Birmingham. Developing a CLLD within this area will enable the vibrant
economic activity and relationship to become more productive and dynamic.
THE OUTLINE ACTIVITY
Developing a LAG’s Local
Development strategy to address the following;
Challenges to be
addressed – Youth and enterprise, Low skills and lack of entrepreneurship
within the area, social innovation activity to challenge social and employment
exclusion.
Target groups to
be supported – Young people, long term low skilled individuals and business
start ups; social enterprises.
Thematic
objectives likely to be covered TBC
European Social Fund can be used to develop a skills agenda and programme.
European Regional
Development Fund can be utilised for business support and potential asset transfer activity.
Links to other initiatives
Neighbourhood Budgeting and
management; Birmingham City Council
LOCAL ACTION GROUP (suggestion)
·
Social Enterprise
Network (Hub) covers all SE and VCS organisations
·
Digbeth Residents
Association
·
Highgate
Residents Association
·
City and South Birmingham
College
·
Cultural
Organisations (Friction Arts)
·
Business
Representatives (Custard Factory, National Express)
Ted Ryan July 2013
