Guidance

State aid: the basics

A basic guide to state aid rules.

• From: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
• Published: 27 November 2013
• Last updated: 10 July 2015 — See all updates

This publication was withdrawn on 1 January 2021

The Brexit transition period has ended and new rules on subsidy control now apply.

For current information read: Complying with the UK’s international obligations on subsidy control

EU State aid rules only apply in certain limited circumstances:

• aid that is granted within scope of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Read guidance on the application of the Protocol
• the disbursement of outstanding Structural Funds payments

Documents

[Withdrawn] State Aid: the basics

Ref: BIS/15/417

PDF, 927 KB, 12 pages

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Details

The UK and EU have agreed to terms on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 1 January 2021. This agreement contains provisions related to subsidy control.

This guide is intended to help public bodies understand what state aid is, and whether it might affect their policies. Those whose work might be subject to state aid rules will find signposts to more detailed information and contact details for those who can provide advice.

Read the state aid manual.

Published 27 November 2013

Last updated 10 July 2015 + show all updates

1. 10 July 2015

   Updated version of 'State aid: the basics guide'.

2. 27 November 2013

   First published.