Subsidy Control

What is Subsidy Control?

Any relief provided by Local Authorities will need to comply with the UK’s domestic and international subsidy control obligations set out in the Subsidy Control Act 2022 (see the government guidance for UK subsidy control)

Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA)

The Subsidy Control Act allows an economic actor (e.g. a holding company and its subsidiaries) to receive up to £315,000 in a 3-year period (consisting of the 2023/24 year and the 2 previous financial years). MFA subsidies cumulate with each other and with other subsidies that fall within the category of ‘Minimal or SPEI financial assistance’. Expanded Retail Discount granted in 2021/22 does not count towards the £315,000 allowance but BEIS COVID-19 business grants and any other subsidies claimed under the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance limit of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement should be counted.

What should you do now?

It is your responsibility to check that you are eligible, based on the above information, and by the very nature of applying for or accepting a subsidy you are declaring that you will not exceed the permitted subsidy allowance threshold.