State Aid

The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) State Aid Branch has lead responsibility within UK government for co-ordination and development of State Aid policy.

The European Commission is given very wide power and responsibility by the Member States to monitor and control State Aid within the European Union. This includes:

• power to consider and decide whether or not proposed State Aid is compatible with the single market - only the Commission has this power

• duty to keep existing approved State Aid under review and recommend appropriate measures under Article 88(1)

• duty to require repayment of unlawful aid

• duty to carry out formal investigations under Article 88(2) into the compatibility of proposed aid

• power to require information about State Aid being paid by the Member States.

State Aid Branch - what we do

• develop the state aid policy for the UK Public Sector Bodies

• provide advice and guidance on State Aid rules to national and regional, local government and government agencies please complete the State aid assessment form (DOC, 530 Kb)  if you are planning a project

• co-ordinate and advise on complaint cases, court cases and formal investigations

• is the channel through which notifications seeking EC approval for State Aid must be routed

• provide Reports on UK State Aid to the Commission and the WTO.

What we don't do

State Aid Branch does not handle agriculture, fisheries and transport aid: the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Transport respectively perform that function. It is the responsibility of public authorities providing financial support to ensure State aid compliance.  Potential beneficiaries with concerns should direct these to the relevant public authorities.

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