The United Kingdom has been allocated over £10 billion (at 1999 prices) in Structural Funds receipts for 2000-2006 budgetary cycle.

There are four Structural Funds: ERDF, ESF, EAGGF and FIFG. These funds contribute to the economic development of disadvantaged regions of the UK. A region may have access to one or more of the four structural funds, depending whether it has Objective 1 or 2 status; all regions have Objective 3 status. The aims of the funds, and in which priority 'Objective' area they can be spent, are set out below: -

• The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF);
  aims to improve economic prosperity and social inclusion by investing in projects to promote development and encourage the diversification of industry into other sectors in areas lagging behind. This fund is available in Objective 1 and 2 areas.
  
  
• The European Social Fund (ESF);
  funds training, human resources and equal opportunities schemes to promote employability of people in both Objective 1 and 3 areas. In Objective 2 areas ESF may be used to complement the ERDF activities.
  
  
• The guidance section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF);
  is available in rural Objective 1 areas to encourage the restructuring and diversification of rural areas, to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion, whilst protecting and maintaining the environment and our rural heritage. In areas outside Objective 1, the EAGGF (Guarantee section) provides funding within the England Rural Development Plan.
  
  
• The Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG);
  funds projects to modernise the structure of the fisheries sector and related industries and to encourage diversification of the workforce and fisheries industry into other sectors. It also aims to ensure the future of the industry through achieving a balance between fisheries resources and their exploitation.