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 subsidies or subsidy schemes which meet certain statutory requirements and are referred to the SAU.
Public authorities are required to refer to the SAU subsidies or subsidy schemes of particular interest (SSoPI). They can also, at their discretion, request a report on subsidies or schemes of interest (SSoI).
The criteria for identifying SSoI and SSoPI are set out in the Subsidy Control (Subsidies and Schemes of Interest or Particular Interest) Regulations 2022.
The Secretary of State for Business and Trade can also direct a public authority to request a report from the SAU or, where the subsidy or scheme has already been awarded, to refer it to the SAU.
What do the SAU reports do?
The SAU’s reports evaluate the public authority’s own Assessment of Compliance against the requirements of the Subsidy Control Act 2022 (the ‘Act’). These reports are published on GOV.UK.
Whilst the SAU is there to provide advice, public authorities alone are responsible for deciding whether to give a subsidy or make a scheme.
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 SAU consulted on its proposed approach in undertaking its monitoring function in early 2024 and is now preparing for its first report, due in 2026.
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 subsidy control statutory guidance.
Public authorities can find further information on the roles of subsidy control teams in the UK, its devolved governments and the Subsidy Advice Unit at Subsidy control regime: roles and responsibilities
Further information
Further guidance on the role of the SAU and its procedures can be found at 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.
Contact us
The SAU encourages public authorities to contact us for an early discussion on potential referrals in advance of formally submitting a request for a report. Please contact us at sau@cma.gov.uk.