The House of Lords debate on ESF on 3 November saw many contributors highlight ESF's distinctiveness and ability to offer effective alternatives to the most disadvantaged people and those in need of help getting into work.

Drawing on the Lords EU committee inquiry into ESF, questions about ESF's future role in light of the Coalition Government's priorities, and particularly the Work Programme, featured strongly. Replying for the Government, welfare reform minister Lord Freud said 'We need to make sure that the European Social Fund is integrated with our welfare reforms and is made to work for the most vulnerable'

Reiterating the Work Programme's strong focus on achieving sustainable job outcomes, Lord Freud acknowledged the importance of 'soft' outcomes along the way, and confirmed the Government's understanding of ESF's distinctive ability to innovate and support the hardest to help, but set this firmly in a context of seeking streamlined services and payment incentives focused on keeping people in work.

He also confirmed the Government's view that post 2013 any future ESF available in the UK should be primarily focused on those furthest from the labour market:  The Government believe that in the next financial perspective member states should target ESF on the most disadvantaged groups, focusing on employment and skills. Consistent with the Government's localisation agenda, Lord Freud also confirmed 'we will want to see the ESF responding to local needs, not to regional priorities.'

The full text of the debate can be found in the House of Lords Hansard archive, with contributions from amongst others Baroness Howarth, Chair of the ESF Inquiry, Baroness Young of Hornsey, current Lords EU Social Affairs sub-committee, and Lord Knight, minister responsible for ESF under the last government.