The future of Structural Funds in Scotland after Brexit was the subject of John Bachtler’s evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Jobs & Fair Work Committee on 15th May 2018. The Committee is currently conducting an inquiry to understand how European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are currently used to support economic development in Scotland, at both a regional and local level with a view to informing the Committee’s views on what should replace ESIFs once the UK exits the European Union.
Drawing on EPRC research on the implications of Brexit for Structural Funds in the UK, the economic, social and institutional challenges, and possible new policy directions, John discussed the opportunities of Brexit for rethinking the future of regional policy in Scotland – whether as part of the proposed UK Shared Prosperity Fund or other policy initiatives. He emphasised the importance of a commitment to territorial equity, the need to maintain key ESIF principles – such as subsidiarity, multi-annuality, an integrated approach, partnership, accountability – and the scope for a more place-based policy approach that accelerates the involvement and empowerment of communities.