Subsidy Control
Subsidy control is a continuously evolving area of law, in which rules vary from one sector to another. Both granters and recipients of potential subsidy should stay on top of their compliance obligations, while businesses should also be ready to challenge their competitors’ behaviour.

Ensuring compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022 is difficult: not only do the rules change frequently, they vary significantly from one sector to the next.

We have the necessary legal and sector-specific knowledge – in energy, water, transport, infrastructure, telecommunications and other areas – to help both granters and recipients of potential subsidy. We provide clear and practical advice that helps you to reach a commercial and pragmatic solution.

We can help you to develop sound risk management strategies, for example by carrying out an in-depth investigation of your existing arrangements, including your crisis management procedures and the particular litigation risks that you are exposed to.

Having robust policies and procedures in place makes disputes much less likely, but, when required, we can advise on every aspect of a defence. Our contentious team can also pursue your competitors if they have unfairly benefitted from state support.

Our expertise includes:

Sector-specific advice on the Subsidy Control Act 2022
Advice and guidance to put in place subsidy control assessments
Defence of claims under the Subsidy Control Act 2022
Pursuing competitors who have benefitted unfairly

Some relevant experience

Acting for key economic development agencies in a variety of grant and support projects, as well as contentious matters, and in almost every sector. Including advice on the UK’s subsidy control regime under the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. We also provide subsidy control advice to many other backers, such as UK innovation hubs.

Advising major energy companies on various government support mechanisms, particularly in relation to renewables projects and capacity markets. Also advising on aid granted to energy infrastructure projects, such as district heating.

Advising on the EU State aid aspects of major infrastructure projects across a variety of sectors including ports, transport, housing and local services.

Meet our key contacts

Jamie McRorie

Partner

Meet our full team

Jonathan Carey

Solicitor

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Gordon Downie

Partner

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Jamie McRorie

Partner

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Kenzie Sharkey

Senior Associate

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Related articles and insights: Subsidy Control

16 April 2026

Subsidy Control: key lessons from a recent Competition Appeal Tribunal decision

Contributor: Jonathan Carey

Key takeaways from the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s decision in The New Lottery Company Ltd and Others v The Gambling Commission

9 April 2026

Subsidy Control: The Competition Appeal Tribunal judgment in the case of Bristol Airport v Welsh Ministers.

Contributor: Jonathan Carey

Key takeaways from the Competition Appeal Tribunal’s decision in Bristol Airport v Welsh Ministers

Woman reading documents with pen in her hand

12 February 2026

Two new streamlined routes under the subsidy control regime

Contributor: Jonathan Carey

This article explores the new routes under the subsidy control regime: Arts and Culture, and Community and Regeneration.

1 December 2025

Updated guidance from the Subsidy Advice Unit

Contributor: Jamie McRorie

A brief discussion on the updated guidance published by the SAU and how they operate the control function of the regime under the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

23 April 2025

Consultation response: refining the UK subsidy control regime

Contributor: Gordon Downie

This article reflects on the UK Government’s recent consultation with respect to refining the UK subsidy control regime, and highlighting the key changes that have been effected following a review by the Department for Business and Trade (the DBT).

14 March 2024

Subsidies in Space

Contributor: Ruairidh Leishman

In January, the Competition and Markets Authority’s Subsidy Advice Unit published their report assessing the UK Space Agency’s plans for a subsidy scheme that will help firms based in Great Britain to develop their satellite communications capabilities.

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