Economic Participation
This replaces the Investing in Communities Programme (IiC) and is the East of England Development Agency's (EEDA) primary mechanism for delivering the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) economic participation goal. This emphasises that economic participation by all sectors of the population is essential for the sustainable growth and development of the region's economy.
The new programme has a focus on the top economic barriers and drivers. All investment must have a clear and direct link between barriers and market failures, activities and economic outcomes. Whilst recognising barriers to economic participation are complex and interlinked with social issues, holistic and tailored solutions are sought.
It is to be delivered from 2009, aligned closely to the Local Area Agreements (LAA's). In Bedfordshire two Economic Participation Investment Plans will be produced based on the Bedford Borough LAA and the Central Bedfordshire LAA. It is intended to target locally agreed priorities across skills, enterprise and employment.
The Economic Participation programme for Central Bedfordshire is supported by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA). This activity is designed to increase prosperity by raising levels of economic participation and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the economy.
Central Bedfordshire Council has been confirmed by the East of England Development Agency as the “accountable body” for Economic Participation (EP) in Central Bedfordshire, from April 2009.
Brief summary of Economic Participation
The East of England is experiencing economic success in many areas, however there are still people unable to participate fully in the economy.
This could be due to:
- lack of suitable skills, confidence or aspiration
- lack of access to appropriate support and training
- lack of capital for starting their own business
- long-term health problems
- employers' perceptions or practices.
The key economic and social statistics about the Central Bedfordshire area were reviewed by EEDA to establish a baseline picture of economic participation and using this statistical evidence coupled with evaluation reports, Investing in Communities performance data, case studies and the advice and feedback from key partners the allocation was decided.
The allocation is divided across four strands of activity and is set out in 
this document (application/pdf; 56kB).
View the full list of EEDA funded Economic Participation projects for 2009/10 (application/pdf; 27kB)
Economic Participation 2010/11
EEDA are currently consulting Local Authority partners on the design of the EP programme for 2010- 2011 when it becomes solely revenue based.