To ask the Scottish Executive how it proposes to take forward the review of the Programme Management Executives which are responsible for implementing European Structural Funds in Scotland in co-operation with the Scottish Executive.
As I made clear in the debate on Structural Funds on 28 October, I have decided that a Review should be conducted of the operation of the Programme Management Executives (PMEs) and their relationship with the Scottish Executive. The aim of this Review is to clarify and define roles in order to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the new round of Structural Funds in Scotland.
The Review will be conducted by a team of Scottish Executive staff and staff from the PMEs. To provide strategic guidance to the Review I have appointed a Steering Committee. I am pleased that Lex Gold, Director of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, has agreed to chair the Steering Committee. The other members will be:
Sandy Brady, Director of Strategy, Highlands & Islands Enterprise.
Campbell Christie, Member, Economic and Social Committee and Chair of Scotland Europa.
Alistair Grimes, Chief Executive, Community Enterprise Strathclyde
Councillor Christine May, European and International Spokesperson, COSLA and Leader of Fife Council.
Sally Watson, Lecturer, Lews Castle College, Stornoway.
Steering Committee meetings will be advised by Scottish Executive officials and a Programme Management Executive Director.I look forward to receiving the results of the Review early next year so that they can be fed in to the preparations for implementing the new round of Structural Funds.