Written question asked by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 December 2010. It was answered by Mark Prisk (Conservative) on Friday, 3 December 2010 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Regional Growth Fund

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) process and (b) timetable is for bids to the regional growth fund; and who is entitled to make such bids.

Answer: The process for bidders wishing to apply for funds should be by completing the RGF application form, which can be found at:"http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/regional-economic-development/regional-growth-fund"This webpage also contains advice and guidance on completing the form.The first bidding round is now open and will close on 21 January 2011. There will be further bidding rounds, the dates of these rounds will be published on the above webpage.The fund's objectives and criteria are designed to be broad, which will allow bids from all sectors and communities. Bids for funding must be from either the private sector or private public partnerships from across England, and be at or above the fund's minimum threshold of £1 million.

Secondary information