A subsidy is any advantage granted by public authorities through state resources on a selective basis to any organisations that could potentially distort competition and trade in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland. The definition is very broad because ‘an advantage’ can take many forms. It is anything which an undertaking (an organisation engaged in economic activity) could not get on the open market. Under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement with the EU (TCA), a ‘subsidy’ is broadly similar to what was previously referred to as ‘State Aid’.
However, in simple terms, there are four key characteristics of a support measure that are likely to indicate that it would be considered a subsidy, which all need to be met:
The EU State aid rules no longer apply to subsidies granted in the UK following the end of the transition period and the UK's exit from the European Union on 31 December 2020. This does not impact the limited circumstances in which State aid rules still apply under the Withdrawal Agreement, specifically Article 10 of the Northern Ireland Protocol and Article 138 in relation to aid for ongoing EU programmes and activities within the UK’s share of the previous Multiannual Financial Framework (2014 to 2020). The United Kingdom remains bound by its international commitments, including subsidy obligations set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with the EU.
BEIS have published guidance for public authorities explaining the subsidies chapter of the TCA, World Trade Organisation rules on subsidies, and other international commitments can be found on the GOV.UK website. This guidance is designed to help to understand the UK’s international commitments on subsidy control, such as what can be provided within the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance Allowance, Article 364 of the TCA, in advance of the development of the UK’s own subsidy control regime.
The TCA has ‘value’ thresholds whereby the subsidy chapter does not apply to certain subsidies based on the value of the subsidy or do not apply to subsidies valued at below a certain amount, known as the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance (SAFA).
Under SAFA, a business at economic actor level (for example a holding company and its subsidiaries) can receive up to 325,000 Special Drawing Rights, which is an IMF unit, over a three-year period (consisting of the current financial year and the previous two years). The special drawing rights can be converted into UK Pound Sterling using the Special Drawing Right calculator as the value can change on a daily basis. For example, on 9 December 2021 it equated to £343,000.
Please note it is the responsibility of the business, to check that it is eligible, and by the very nature of applying for or accepting a subsidy (such as Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Relief) you are declaring that the business will not exceed the permitted subsidy allowance threshold. If you have any doubt as to your position you must seek appropriate advice before applying for or accepting the subsidy as the responsibility lies with the business.
This has included (but is not exhaustive to):
However please note the Extended Retail Discount granted in either 2020/2021 or 2021/2022 does not count in the subsidy allowance calculation.
The government is bringing forward legislation for a new, tailored UK-wide subsidy control framework, known as Subsidy Control. This was introduced to Parliament on 30 June 2021. This aims to reflect our strategic interests, strengthen our union, and help to drive economic growth and prosperity across the whole of the UK as we build back better from the pandemic.
Read more information about the UK Subsidy Control Bill.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to check eligibility, and by the very submission of an application, are declaring that if awarded some form of subsidy that they are complying with and will not exceed the relevant permitted allowance thresholds. Where there is any doubt, it’s advisable to seek professional advice prior to making any submission.
The government and Salford City Council will not tolerate any business falsifying their records or providing false evidence to gain this discount, including claiming support above these thresholds. A ratepayer who falsely applies for any relief or provides false information or makes false representation in order to gain relief may be guilty of fraud under the Fraud Act 2006.
Local Authorities are required to ensure the transparency obligations under Article 369 of the TCA are complied with. That is