How the Subsidy Advice Unit operates its subsidy control functions
This guidance sets out how the Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) will carry out its subsidy control functions in the UK Subsidy Control Regime.
Documents
Details
The guidance explains the role of SAU. The SAU provides independent non-binding advisory reports regarding certain subsidies that are referred by public authorities, and periodically monitors and reviews the operation of the subsidy control regime.
The CMA consulted on a previous version of this guidance in 2022.
This guidance was updated in November 2025 and includes updates and clarifications in the following areas:
Acceptance
We have included further information on the acceptance of referrals, including more details on the requirements for acceptance, checklists for public authorities, and answers to common questions such as how public authorities should draft non-confidential summaries.
Confidential information
We have added detail on how the SAU handles confidential information and how public authorities should mark-up confidential information when they submit a referral.
Pre-referral discussions
We have provided further detail to reflect current practice on format, timescales and expectations for pre-referral discussions – for example, at what point are public authorities advised to share a draft assessment, and what is covered in pre-referral discussions.
Interpreting the SAU’s report
We have added a section to explain how our final evaluation is presented in our reports, what this means to the public authority, and next steps.
Analytical framework
This chapter has been updated to provide additional insight into the factors and questions that the SAU considers in its review. This content does not duplicate that in the Statutory Guidance published by DBT, but is intended to complement it.
How to contact the SAU
Public authorities
Public authorities wishing to contact us regarding the revised guidance or overall operation of the SAU, can contact us by email: sau@cma.gov.uk.
Media enquiries
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the CMA press office by email on press@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6460.
Making a referral
To make a referral to the SAU visit our Find out how to make a referral to the Subsidy Advice Unit web page.
Further information
Further guidance and information on the UK subsidy control regime is available from the Department of Business and Trade.
Updates to this page
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Guidance and page details updated.
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First published.