Black Country holds on to European Assisted Area status

MICHAEL Fallon, Minister of State for Business and Energy, has confirmed that the Black Country has retained extensive coverage of Assisted Area status for the period 2014-2020.

The status permits the granting of additional financial support to organisations.

This support primarily encourages business growth, which – it is hoped – can positively affect these locations given such status.

Assisted Area status offers eligibility for regional aid, but does not in itself confer any funding.

Delma Dwight, head of the Black Country LEP Economic Intelligence Unit, said: “The Black Country LEP’s rigorous, evidence based response to the Government’s consultation has resulted in widespread retention of Assisted Area coverage.

“This  boosts the ability of Black Country businesses to benefit from regional aid such as the Regional Growth Fund.”