Understanding Subsidy Control in Public Sector procurement

Public Sector bodies are bound by certain rules and regulations when purchasing goods, works and services or when giving financial assistance to businesses. The rules on Subsidy Control are complex and for businesses contracting with the public sector, it can often be difficult to know whether the purchasing body has broken those rules. 

Whether you are a public body or a bidder, our team can steer you through these complex issues. We have considerable knowledge and experience in subsidy control matters to guide you through the process and check your documentation to ensure that it is compliant.

They took a practical approach towards the various procurement problems and guided us very successfully through a difficult situation.

Chambers and Partners

The team approaches procurement law problems with a depth of experience.

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They have expertise and are very clued up with regard to the market.

Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2025

Their ability to manage legal complexity while staying focused on real-world implementation is impressive.

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They’re comfortable working in the grey areas where public interest, compliance and commerciality overlap.

Chambers and Partners

They provide comprehensive and succinct guidance related to procurement matters.

Chambers and Partners

The team are knowledgeable and experienced.

Chambers and Partners

Supporting the Public Sector

Our lawyers advise public sector clients on the Subsidy Control regime, helping them design compliant funding measures, whether through application of a block exemption or approved aid scheme, or through a commercial public sector investment no aid route. 

For public sector bodies, you will want to make absolutely sure that all of your purchasing procedures comply with these rules, and if challenged that you have a robust defence or justification for your procurement decisions and strategy.

Where clearance is required, we are on hand to assist with this process.

Working with the Private Sector

We help private sector clients understand how Subsidy Control affects their projects and what it means in practice.

If a public body may have breached the rules, we can assess the situation, explore resolution options or support litigation. Strict time limits apply to procurement challenges, so early legal advice is essential. Subsidy Control doesn’t have to stop your project. We’ll explain the implications, outline next steps and help find workable solutions.

Our Subsidy Control experts

Our team combines deep legal expertise with practical insight to help clients navigate the complex rules around Subsidy Control. Whether you're assessing funding arrangements, managing risk in public sector contracts or considering a challenge, our specialists provide clear, actionable advice tailored to your needs.

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