Guidance

106/07-13: ESF 2007 to 2013 Programme Closure - retention of key documents

Updated 30 June 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esf-action-notes-2007-to-2013-programme/10607-13-esf-2007-to-2013-programme-closure-retention-of-key-documents

Who this note is for

  • Managing Authority
  • ESF Co-Financing Organisations (CFO)
  • ESF non Co-Financing Organisations (non-CFO)
  • Innovation and Transnationality Mainstreaming (ITM) projects
  • European Secretariat Government of Gibraltar
  • Greater London Authority (GLA)
  • Certifying Authority (CA)
  • Audit Authority (AA)

What

This action note provides an update for CFOs and non-CFO projects on document retention for the 2007 to 2013 programme documentation beyond closure.

Cleared

This action note was cleared by Mark Hill of the European Social Fund Managing Authority.

Background

2015 was the final year of expenditure for the 2007 to 2013 ESF programme.

Action

It was expected that the MA would have been able to confirm to you that the retention period had now been reached and all relevant documentation could be destroyed, with the potential exception of any additional requirements (including extended retention periods) that may be required relating to projects involving an element of State Aid – the record retention period is normally 10 years from the date on which the last individual aid was granted.

However, there is an ongoing legal enquiry into the retention date for some records and as such the date of retention cannot be confirmed at this time. Therefore, can all documents relating to the ESF 2007 to 2013 programme be retained.

A further action note will be cascaded once the retention date for records has been confirmed.

If you have any questions regarding this action note, please contact the author of this note.

Contact

Mark Hill, Head of ESF Verification and Compliance
mark.hill@dwp.gov.uk

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