Objective 1: Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme (HISTP)
Objective 1 redevelops regions seriously lagging behind the EU average. The Highlands and Islands have already benefited from previous Objective 1 programmes. The aim of the current programme is to build on the success of the earlier programmes.
Because the region has been so greatly improved by European funding in the past, it is no longer eligible for Objective 1 status. But, it still faces the problems of remoteness and low population density therefore a special transitional programme has been put in place.
This aims to:
- Increase incomes and prosperity in the region relative to the EU average
- Reduce social and economic disparities
- Create and safeguard employment
- Ensure that communities and individuals can make a full contribution to the development of the region
- Reduce the problems caused by peripherality and insularity
- Enhance the environmental quality of the region in terms of sustainability and biodiversity
HISTP, which runs from 2000-2006, places an emphasis on long term sustainable progress beyond the end of the programme. It provides about €308 million (£192.5m) in total, and focuses on four priorities: increasing business competitiveness; creating employment and increasing incomes; creating conditions for regional competitiveness; developing the region's human resources; and assisting rural communities.
The day to day administration is carried out by the Programme Management Executive (PME) of the Highlands and Islands Partnership Programme (HIPP) based in Inverness and Stornoway.
Types of funding Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme
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