This service is managed by Enterprise and Economic Growth
Subsidy control
A subsidy is support from a public body to a business - either as money or as goods and services - that gives it an advantage which could affect competition or trade.
If you receive a grant or other financial assistance from us, it may count as a subsidy. When that is the case, we must follow the rules in the UK Subsidy Control Act 2022 and related international agreements - including the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, other Free Trade Agreements, and World Trade Organisation rules.
How we ensure compliance
Most of the assistance we provide is covered by one of our subsidy schemes, listed below.
For smaller amounts, we may award support as Minimal Financial Assistance under the Subsidy Control Act 2022.
Where neither option applies, and no national Streamlined Route (ready-made schemes that provide legal cover for common types of support) is available, we can consider a one-off award. This requires a full assessment against a set of principles set out in UK law - more detail is in the guide for beneficiaries linked below.
What this means for you
When you receive support from us, we will:
- check whether the support is likely to count as a subsidy
- work with you to find the right legal cover, if it does
You must provide accurate information. You are also responsible for seeking your own legal advice when receiving a subsidy.
Some reliefs and grants also require a subsidy declaration as part of your application. Check the guidance for the specific scheme you're applying for to find out if this applies to you.
Related resources
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Subsidy aid declaration
This document contains a subsidy and aid declaration form to complete with an application for non-domestic rates relief for 2021-2022. It asks for ratepayer, business and property details, and whether public assistance received over the current and previous two financial years exceeds €325,000. The applicant must confirm the information is correct, agree to checks and report changes, then sign and return the form to Orkney Islands Council’s Revenues Team.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Subsidy aid pro forma
This document contains a subsidy declaration form for rates relief. It explains the €325,000 subsidy limit over three years and asks applicants to list all public assistance received by their business or related businesses. Applicants must keep the agreement for at least three years, confirm the information is accurate, and sign and date the form.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
Further guidance
The UK Government's Subsidy Control: Guide for beneficiaries explains what subsidy regulation means for you, before and after receiving support. We recommend reading it before you apply for any grant.
The Scottish Government's Subsidy Control pages are also a useful source of information.