Subsidies and Schemes of Interest and of Particular Interest
We're seeking views on proposed regulations under the Subsidy Control Bill that define criteria for potentially distortive categories of subsidies, and views more generally on the categories.
The Subsidy Control Bill provides the framework for a new, United Kingdom-wide subsidy control regime. This regime will enable public authorities, including devolved administrations and local authorities, to deliver subsidies that are tailored and bespoke for local needs to deliver government priorities such as levelling up and achieving net zero carbon, as well as supporting the economy’s recovery from COVID-19.
It is crucial that the new subsidy control regime can identify subsidies and schemes that have the potential to cause negative effects on competition or investment within the United Kingdom or in relation to the United Kingdom’s international trade, and subject these to additional scrutiny and review.
To achieve this, the Subsidy Control Bill provides for 2 distinct categories of subsidy or subsidy scheme that could potentially have a distortive effect:
- Subsidies or Schemes of Interest (SSoI)
- Subsidies or Schemes of Particular Interest (SSoPI)
We intend to develop criteria that are clear and easy for public authorities to interpret and apply.
This consultation:
- seeks views on these categories of subsidies and schemes
- sets out, in the accompanying draft regulations, the government’s intended approach to setting criteria and definitions
- includes initial proposals for related guidance