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Subsidy Control Champions – May 2021 meeting
Date: Tuesday 18 May 1100-1200
Venue: MS Teams
1.
Welcome and introductions -
1.1 AW welcomed all attendees and asked those present at the last meeting whether they had any
comments on the meeting notes circulated. No points were raised and the notes from the last
meeting were accepted.
2.
Bill policy update 2.1 MC summarised the proposed policy approach for the Subsidy Control Bill, following on from
the consultation, which closed on 31 March.
2.2 The meeting was interested in how the NIP will interact with the new domestic regime. While
the NIP and the domestic regime are separate, the team will continue to work through how the
two will interact.
2.3 MC also talked through how the streamlined routes could offer legal certainty.
2.4 Colleagues who would like to discuss the policy further should get in touch
3.
Subsidy control for public authorities – steps to getting advice 3.1 MI presented the subsidy control advice flowchart for public authorities which aims to steer
scheme designers and granting authorities to sources of advice on subsidy control.
3.2 The flowchart acknowledges the important role played by Champions in providing advice and
information.
3.3 MI reiterated that the subsidy control team are on hand if needed for more detailed/ bespoke
support.
4.
Comments from Champions on TCA subsidy chapter 4.1 NW noted that updated technical guidance will be available soon which will provide more detail
on interpreting Chapter 3 of the TCA, and answers to some of the FAQs raised in previous
meetings. This should provide public authorities with greater confidence in making TCA
assessments and taking advantage of TCA flexibilities. Using the TCA does require greater
ownership, but there is the opportunity to do more and differently than would be possible
under EU rules and do so in a timely way without the need for an ex-ante approval.
4.2 Several observations were made by Champions in the meetings on the use of the TCA:
a. This is an interim period and the current approach involving compliance with international
obligations is set out as well as can be under the circumstances in the technical guidance.
b. There is a joint responsibility between those developing the schemes and those providing
support in this interim period, as Champions do not have all the answers to the detailed
questions. The advice flowchart (agenda item 3) will provide a steer on where to get advice.
c. There is a nervousness amongst scheme designers in having to justify the subsidy under
the principles and complete an assessment. Removal of the security offered by pre-
approvals and the ex-ante process has placed a greater burden on policy leads. A careful
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balance must be struck between businesses seeking more support and public authorities
making sure any subsidy meets the policy objective and is proportionate.
4.3 CO asked for greater understanding of what the consequences of a challenge would be. As an
unknown, this adds to the uncertainty of the whole process.
4.4 AW encouraged the group to have detailed discussions within their teams on their experience
of using the TCA and bring back comments to the next meeting. More time will be allocated for
a discussion at the next meeting.
5.
Comments from Champions on transparency database 5.1 A new support and maintenance contractor is now in place. In terms of usage of the database,
there are 172 Granting Authorities registered, 232 schemes and 214 individual subsidy awards
to date. Feedback from users so far is that the database is easy to use.
5.2 HS followed up on a query currently on the issues log concerning awards covering multiple
regions. RD explained with the new contractors in place, we will be looking at what changes
and enhancements need to be made to the database. Care must be taken not to make changes
before the future policy direction is decided. HS and RD agreed to continue the discussion after
the meeting.
5.3 GD also raised issues on behalf of colleagues in DfT concerning uploading amounts and
accessing the site using the browser. GD will speak with RD after the meeting to resolve.
5.4 RD will also follow up with CO’s question about the functionality of the scheme and the ability
to find specific schemes by name or number rather than scrolling through the list.
5.5 RD explained a prioritisation exercise will be carried out to look at all possible changes raised. If
you have any further questions about the transparency database, email
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
ACTION – RD to follow up above queries with relevant Champions
6.
Annual Reporting 6.1 Annual reporting exercise is now open. Please complete your expenditure reports by 31 May.
6.2 There is a new system: SARI2. If you are experiencing any problems accessing SARI2, contact
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
7.
AoB
None raised.
8.
Closing remarks and next steps – Chair
8.1 AW thanked everyone for sharing their concerns and encouraged Champions to continue to
voice their views in this forum and seek advice from the policy team where needed.
8.2 The team is also happy to take suggestions for future meetings, if there is anything anyone
would like to hear more about.
8.3 Next meeting will be scheduled in June/ July.
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