About us
We assist public authorities by providing independent non-binding advice in relation to certain subsidies.
The SAU’s functions
The Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) is part of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The SAU has 2 main functions:
- providing non-binding advice to public authorities
- monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of the subsidy control regime
Providing non-binding advice to public authorities
The SAU assists public authorities by providing independent non-binding reports in relation to certain subsidies or subsidy schemes which are referred to the SAU. The SAU’s reports evaluate the public authority’s own assessment against the requirements of the Subsidy Control Act 2022 (the ‘Act’). These reports are published on GOV.UK. Public authorities are responsible for deciding whether to give a subsidy or make a scheme.
Public authorities can request a report on subsidies or schemes of interest (SSoI), but must refer the following subsidies to the SAU:
- subsidy or subsidy scheme of particular interest (SSoPI)
- subsidy or subsidy scheme called-in by the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State has the power, in certain circumstances, to refer subsidies to the SAU after they have been awarded.
The criteria for identifying SSoI and SSoPI are set out in the Subsidy Control (Subsidies and Schemes of Interest or Particular Interest) Regulations 2022.
For further guidance for public authorities on how to request advice from the SAU, visit the SAU referrals process: information for public authorities.
Monitoring and reporting functions
The SAU periodically monitors and reports on the effectiveness of the operation of the subsidy control regime.
The SAU has information gathering powers to assist in carrying out its monitoring and reporting functions. The SAU’s statement of policy sets out how the SAU will undertake the enforcement of its information gathering powers.
The subsidy control regime
The Act sets out the framework for the subsidy control regime in the UK, which came into force on 4 January 2023.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is responsible for the subsidy control regime. Public authorities who are planning or designing financial assistance that might meet the definition of a subsidy or subsidy scheme should read the Statutory Guidance.
Public authorities can find further information at The SAU referrals process: information for public authorities.
Further information
Further guidance on the role of the SAU can be found in Guidance on the operation of the subsidy control functions of the Subsidy Advice Unit. SAU Guidance should be read alongside the Statutory guidance.
Read further guidance and information on the UK subsidy control regime.