G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
10 September 2019 
(19-5806) Page: 1/23 
Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  Original:  English  
 
  
SUBSIDIES  
NEW AND FULL NOTIFIC ATION PURSUANT TO AR TICLE XVI:1  
OF THE GATT 1994 AND AR TICLE 25 OF THE AGRE EMENT  
ON SUBSIDIES AND COUNTE RVAILING MEASURES  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
Addendum  
 
The following addendum to the notification of the European Union relates to the subsidy programmes 
of the United Kingdom . 
 
_______________  
 
 
  G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 2 - 
  UNITED KINGDOM  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1   NI – GRANT FOR R &D&I SCHEME  ................................ ................................ ................  3 
2   NI - SELECTIVE F INANCIAL ASSISTANCE  ................................ ................................ .... 3 
3   NI - DEVELOPMENT  FUND ................................ ................................ ............................  4 
4   NI - RESOURCE EF FICIENCY CAPITAL GRA NT ................................ ..............................  5 
5   NI - RESCUE AND RESTRUCTURING SCHEME  2016 TO 2020  ................................ ........  5 
6   NI - SKILLS, STR ATEGY AND INNOVATION  SOLUTIONS  ................................ ..............  6 
7   SG - SE SME AID SCHEME 2014 -2020  ................................ ................................ ..........  7 
8   SG - SE SCOTTISH  ENTERPRISE REGIONAL  AND SME INVESTMENT  
AID SCHEME 2014  – 2020 ................................ ................................ ................................  7 
9   SG - SE HIGHLAND S AND ISLANDS ENTERP RISE GENERAL BLOCK  
EXEMPTION SCHEME 201 4-2020  ................................ ................................ ......................  8 
10   SG - THE FOOD P ROCESSING MARKETING AND CO -OPERATION  
GRANT SCHEME  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  9 
11   SG - FORESTRY G RANT SCHEME  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
12   SG - HIGHLANDS AN D ISLANDS ENTERPRISE  GENERAL BLOCK EXEMP TION  
SCHEME 2014 -2020 INC ORPORATING THE 2017 AMENDING REGULATION  ...................  11 
13   REGIONAL  GROWTH FUND  ................................ ................................ ......................  11 
14   DEVELOPMENT SEC TOR SCHEME  ................................ ................................ .............  13 
15   EMERGING AND EN ABLING TECHNOLOGIES SECTOR SCHEME  ................................ . 13 
16   HEALTH AND LIFE  SCIENCES SECTOR SCH EME ................................ ........................  14 
17   INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS SECTOR SCHEM E ................................ .........................  15 
18   INVESTMENTS SEC TOR SCHEME  ................................ ................................ ..............  16 
19   MATERIAL AND MA NUFACTURING SECTOR S CHEME  ................................ ................  17 
20   LOW EMISSION BU S SCHEME  ................................ ................................ ..................  18 
21   ELECTRIC VEHICL E HOME CHARGE SCHEME  ................................ ............................  18 
22   FUTURE FUELS FO R FLIGHT AND FREIGHT  STAGE 1  ................................ ................  19 
23   PLUG -IN GRANTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 20 
24   RAIL INNO VATION PROGRAMME  ................................ ................................ .............  21 
25   RAIL RESEARCH G RANT  ................................ ................................ ...........................  22 
26   THE EUROPEAN MA RITIME AND FISHERIES  FUND (EMFF)  ................................ ...... 22 
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 3 - 
  1  NI – GRANT FOR R&D&I SCHEME  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
To support research, development and innovation (R&D&I) activities undertaken within 
Northern  Ireland companies,  to encourage collaboration and effective co -operation between 
companies and higher education institutions , including research organisations , to raise both the level 
and the quality  of commercially relevant R&D activity, and  to stimulate R&D and innovation , and 
encourage best practice throughout business, foster the creation and development of innovative 
business starts, help firms develop innovative products, processes and internati onally tradable 
services with commercial potential, boost the scale relevancy of R&D&I in Northern Ireland through 
increased business as well as higher education expenditure in R&D.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
UK legal authority for the s cheme:  
• The Industrial Development Act (NI) 2002 ; 
• The Industrial Development Order (NI) 1982 ; 
• The European Communities Act 1972.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Grants . 
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
SMEs and large companies in Northern Ireland in the manufacturing sector. Grant is paid against 
vouched expenditure.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 10,149,748 . 
2018 Total: GBP 15,251,151 . 
 
The subsidy is not provided on a per unit basis.  
 
7. Duration of the subsid y 
 
This scheme will operate until 31 December 2022.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
2  NI - SELECTIVE FINAN CIAL ASSISTANCE  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objecti ve and/or purpose of the subsid y 
 
This is the principal scheme of assistance in Northern Ireland to attract new inward investment, to 
facilitate new start -up enterprises and to encourage existing companies to develop their international 
competitiveness lea ding to growth and greater employment opportunities.  
 
SMEs are eligible for all types of investment projects.  In respect of large companies, the SFA  Scheme 
supports the setting up of a new establishment, the starting up of a new economic activity or the G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 4 - 
  extension of an existing establishment or involving a fundamental change in the product or 
production process.  
 
3. Background and authority for the su bsidy 
 
UK legal authority for the scheme:  
• The Industrial Development Act (NI) 2002 ; 
• The Industrial Development Order (NI) 1982 ; 
• The European Communities Act 1972.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Capital grant, employment related revenue grant, loan.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Companies in the manufacturing sector (in line with EU restrictions on shipbuilding, coal and steel, 
synthetic fibres, transportation, agricultural production, fisheries and aquaculture). Grant is paid 
against vouched expenditure.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 12,682,747 . 
2018 Total: GBP 10,527,853 . 
 
The subsidy is not provided on a per unit basis.  
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
This scheme will operate until 31st December 2022.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available . 
 
3  NI - DEVELOPMENT FUN D 
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The objective of the scheme is to address the lack of seed, start -up and expansion risk capital 
funding for SME companies located in Northern Ireland, which have high growth potential, but which 
find it difficult to access capital markets.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
UK legal authority for the scheme:  
• The Industrial Development Act (NI) 2002 ; 
• The Industrial Development Order (NI) 1982 ; 
• The European Communities Act 1972.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Provision of risk -based equity and quasi -equity capital.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Investments are made by way of capital injection of funds.  
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 5 - 
  6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 350,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 1,050,000 . 
 
The subsidy is not provided on a per unit basis.  
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
This scheme will operate until 31 December 2022.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
4  NI - RESOURCE EFFICI ENCY CAPITAL GRANT  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
To enable business to achieve water and material efficiencies beyond EU regulatory requirements.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
UK legal authority for the scheme:  
• Industrial Development Act (NI) 2002 ; 
• Industrial Development Order (NI) 1982 ; 
• The European Communities Act 1972.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Grant.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Northern Ireland manufacturing companies. Grant is paid against vouched expen diture.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 859,317 . 
2018 Total: GBP 480,233 . 
 
The subsidy is not provided on a per unit basis.  
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
This scheme will operate until 31 December 2022.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
5  NI - RESCUE AND REST RUCTURING SCHEME 201 6 TO 2020  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 6 - 
  2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The rescuing and restructuring of small and medium -sized non -financial undertakings in difficulty in 
Northern Ireland.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
UK legal authority for the scheme:  
• Industrial Development Act (NI) 2002 ; 
• Industrial Development Order (NI) 1 982; 
• The European Communities Act 1972.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Loan. 
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The scheme applies to all SMEs and smaller state -owned enterprises in difficulty in the manufacturing 
sector. Grant is paid against vouched expenditure.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 275,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 750,000 . 
 
The subsidy is not provided on a per unit basis . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
This scheme will operate until 31 December 2022 . 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
6  NI - SKILLS, STRATEG Y AND INNOVATION SOL UTIONS  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
Invest NI’s Skills, Strategy and Innovation Solutions provide financial support to manufacturing 
companies to increase their competitiveness. The programme of support covers new business 
start-up, training, SME consultancy, clustering and SME innovation.  
 
3. Backgroun d and authority for the subsidy  
 
UK legal authority for the scheme:  
• Industrial Development Act (NI) 2002 ; 
• Industrial Development Order (NI) 1982 ; 
• The European Communities Act 1972.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Direct grant . 
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is p rovided  
 
SMEs and large enterprises in the manufacturing sector.  Grant is paid against vouched expenditure.  G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 7 - 
  6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 3,310,568 . 
2018 Total: GBP 3,085,719 . 
 
The subsidy is not provided on a per unit basis.  
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
This scheme will operate until 31 December 2022.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
7  SG - SE SME AID SCHE ME 2014 -2020  
 
1. Period covered  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The principal objective of the scheme is to encourage development and growth of businesses in  
Scotland through increasing competitiveness, efficiency and exploitation of commercial potential.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
The legal basis for the scheme is the European Communities Act 1972 and the Enterprise and New  
Towns (Scotland) Act 1990, as amended 1 April 2001, by Scottish Statutory Instrument 
2001 No.126.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Princi pally grant contribution.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
In general, aid will only be provided to SMEs. Aid to large enterprises under this scheme is only  
permitted for environmental studies. Applicants must submit an application for assistance to S cottish  
Enterprise  before work on the project or activity has started, and the application must be approved  
in writing before work can commence on the project.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 12,900,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 14,800,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2014 – 2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data is available.  
 
8  SG - SE SCOTTISH ENTERPRISE REGIONAL AND SME INVESTMENT A ID SCHEME 
2014  – 2020  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 8 - 
  2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The objectives of the Scheme are:  
• to encourage companies to invest in projects which create or safeguard jobs in Scotland;  
• to support the development of premises and buildings for commercial purposes by the 
private  sector in Scotland where there is a market failure, and ; 
• to promote the development of assisted areas in Scotland, as se t out in the UK Regional 
Aid Map 2014 – 2020.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
The legal basis for the scheme is the European Communities Act 1972 and the Enterprise and New  
Towns (Scotland) Act 1990, as amended 1 April 2001, by Scottish Stat utory Instrument 2001  
No. 126. 
 
The Scottish Enterprise Regional and SME Investment Aid Scheme 2014 - 2020 operates under  
Commission Regulation (EU) No 651/2014 of 17 June.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Principally grant contribution.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Aid can be awarded to enterprises of all sizes. Applicants must submit an application for assistance  
to Scottish Enterprise  before work on the project or activity has started, and the application must 
be approved in writing  before work  can commence on the project.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 12,200,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 10,500,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2014 – 2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available . 
 
9  SG - SE HIGHLANDS AN D ISLANDS ENTERPRISE  GENERAL BLOCK EXEMP TION SCHEME 
2014 -2020  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The objective is to assist firms to increase their contribution to employment and Gross Value Added 
in the economy by investing in business growth. The scheme applies to sectors such as energy, life 
sciences, food and drink, creative industries, sustainable tourism, financial and business services, 
univers ities through a range of interventions, principally through direct support to businesses and 
social enterprises, and specialist programmes and interventions to create the conditions for strong 
sectoral growth.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
The support is delivered under the Enterprise and New Town (Scotland) Act 1990, as amended 
1 April 2001 by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001 No 126.  
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 9 - 
  4. Form of the subsidy  
 
The assistance takes the form of direct grants, interest subsid ies and soft loans.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Subsidies are provided after appraisal of a business plan to support firms of all sizes. Some measures 
are only provided to small and medium -sized firms (according to the EU definition of an SME) and 
some measures provide aid to both large and small firms, usually at higher grant rates for SMEs 
than for larger firms.  Firms must be undertaking new development in the qualifying area; the 
Highlands and Islands region of Scotland. Subsidies are offered to  the minimum extent necessary 
for the project to proceed, must contribute to the regional development policies and must be eligible 
under EU State aid procedures. The financial support is never allocated on the basis of product 
prices, product costs or the  quantities produced or exported.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 8,120,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 5,800,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
July 2014 - December 2020 . 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data  is available.  
 
10  SG - THE FOOD PROCES SING MARKETING AND C O-OPERATION GRANT SC HEME  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The Food Processing Marketing and Co-operation (FPMC) Grants Scheme can provide  support grant 
to suppliers and producers to contribute to the government's overall vision for food and drink in 
Scotland, which is to be a Good Food Nation. The food and drink sector can also help to make 
Scotland healthier, wealthier and smarter, with stronger communities and production that is socially 
and environmentally sustainable.  
 3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
Grant funding is provided under the legislative authority of Scottish Rural Develo pment  Programme 
(SRDP) 2014 -2020, EU Regulation 1305/2013 and EU Regulation 651/2014.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Financial assistance is provided through conditionally repayable contributions to commercial food 
and drink businesses , and food and drink organisa tions.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The Food Processing Marketing and Co -operation (FPMC) Grant Scheme provide s assistance for 
food/drink businesses in Scotland with start -up grants and development grants for existing 
food/drink businesses in  Scotland.  G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 10 - 
  6. Amount  
2017 Total: GBP 5,652,875 . 
2018 Total: GBP 10,303,261 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
May 2015 - March 2021. The grant scheme is now closed to applications but claims from approved 
projects will continue to be paid to March 2021.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
11  SG - FORESTRY GRANT SCHEME  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) supports the forestry sector in Scotland by providing a range of 
grants for woodland creation and the sustainable management of existing woodlands. The Scottish 
Government has set out a vision for forestry through the Scottish F orestry Strategy, which 
recognises that forestry is a long -term activity and that forests should be sustainably managed to 
provide economic, environmental and social benefits.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
Forestry Act 1967. Approval under EU Regulation 702/2014.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Grants . 
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Private land owners such as farmers, private forest owners and small and medium scale forest 
businesses. Grants are based on 80 -100% of ‘standard costs’ which set out the average cost for 
carrying out a forest activity. The standard costs have been independently verified. Projects are 
selected through a competitive monthly process.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 25,723,792 . 
2018 Total: GBP 29,137,370 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
May 2015 - December 2020 . 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
Woodland  creation : 
2015/16 – 3,900 ha  
2016/17 – 3,700 ha  
2017/18 – 6,300 ha  
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 11 - 
  12  SG - HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE G ENERAL BLOCK EXEMPTI ON SCHEME 
2014 -2020 INCORPORAT ING THE 2017 AMENDIN G REGULATION  
 
1 Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The objective is to assist firms to increase th eir contribution to employment and Gross Value Added 
in the economy by investing in business growth. The scheme applies to sectors such as energy, life 
sciences, food and drink, creative industries, sustainable tourism, financial and business services, 
universities through a range of interventions, principally through direct support to businesses and 
social enterprises, specialist programmes and interventions to create the conditions for strong 
sectoral growth.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
The support is delivered under the Enterprise and New Town (Scotland) Act 1990, as amended 
1 April 2001 by Scottish Statutory Instrument 2001 No 126.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
The assistance takes the form of direct grants, interest subsid ies and  soft loans.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Subsidies are provided after appraisal of a business plan to support firms of all sizes. Some measures 
are only provided to small and medium -sized firms (according to the EU definition of an SME) and 
some measures provide aid to both large and small firms, usually at higher grant rates for SMEs 
than for larger firms.  Firms must be undertaking new development in the qualifying area; the 
Highlan ds and Islands region of Scotland. Subsidies are offered to the minimum extent necessary 
for the project to proceed, must contribute to the regional development policies and must be eligible 
under EU State aid procedures. The financial support is never all ocated on the basis of product 
prices, product costs or the quantities produced or exported.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 452,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 1,647,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
July 2017 - December 2020.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
13  REGIONAL  GROWTH FUND  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) operates across England and was a competitive fund with potential 
applicants in England able to submit applications for funding, either through a project or through a 
programme. Its two key objectives were:  G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 12 - 
   
• To stimulate private sector investment in enterprise s by providing support for projects 
and programmes with significant potential for sustainable economic growth and creating 
additional sustainable private sector employment , and; 
 
• To support those areas currently dependent on the public sector to make the transition to 
sustainable private sector -led growth and prosperity.  
 
Until 2015 the RGF was made available through bidding rounds ending with Round 6. Following the 
2015 Spending Review no future rounds were undertaken. Companies and programmes th at were 
awarded grants through Rounds 1 -6 continued to receive funding as agreed in their funding 
agreement.  
 
Outside of the ‘Round’ system, eRGF (exceptional RGF) was always available for significant project s 
to apply for aid, meaning that applications ar e considered for projects that offer significant potential 
or in response to economic shocks. RGF is funding of last resort and since 2016 operates and will 
continue to operate on an ‘exceptional’ basis only.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
In October 2010, under plans to rebalance the economy, the UK government set out its role in 
supporting locally driven growth, encouraging business investment and promoting economic 
development. To support this objective, it established the Regional Growth Fund.  
 
The legal basis for RGF awards is primarily the Industrial Development Act 1982 Sections 7 and 8. 
Those sections empower the Secretary of State to provide selective financial assistance, respectively 
for industry in Assisted Areas and for industry g enerally.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
The RGF primarily provides grants but also some loans. Funds are provided direct to end beneficiaries 
through projects, where there is a minimum bid threshold of GBP 1 million, or through programmes, 
which are administere d by scheme managers.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The RGF is paid to applicants , grants are in cash and loans are cash advances repayable in the usual 
way. 
RGF is not targeted at particular sectors  or at a particular size of firm , nor does it support general 
business functions by providing operating aid.  
Bids are appraised on how well they meet the main objectives of the RGF by assessment of key 
criteria. These are; additionality, sustainable privat e sector growth, value for money, and state aid 
compliance.  
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 108,460,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 4,597,800 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
2011 – 2021. 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available . The RGF is a supply -side intervention which addresses market failures 
and other related barriers to business investment across England. It supports projects and 
programmes that leverage private sector investment to create econom ic growth and sustainable 
employment. National displacement impacts are considered in every case to minimise market 
distortions and potential trade effects.  G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 13 - 
  14  DEVELOPMENT SECTOR S CHEME  
 
The Development  Sector scheme  forms part of the Innovate UK 2014 – Evalu ation Scheme . 
 
1. Period covered by this notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The purpose of this scheme is also to accelerate growth by stimulating and supporting business -led 
innovation, to encourage collaboration and effective co -operation between companies and research 
organisations, including higher education institutions, and to raise both the level and the quality of 
commercially relevant R&D&I activity.  
The focus for this sector is the Newton programme. The main objective of the programme is to aid 
the development of knowledge and technology that will in turn assist the  development of countries 
in need. One of the main priorities is to encourage economic development by improving the exchange 
of research and innovation expertise.  
3. Background and authority for the scheme  
 
Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, is an executive non -departmental public body sponsored  
by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The legal basis of the  scheme  is 
Section 5 of  the Science and Technology Act 1965. Innovate UK are now part of a new body 
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is made up of seven Research Councils, Research 
England and Innovate UK.  It will be operating under t he Higher Education Research Act 2017.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Direct grant s, interest  rate subsid ies, loans, repayable  advances.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The scheme is targeted towards small and medium -sized businesses  (SMEs) , enabling them to grow 
and prosper, as well as  large enterprises. InnovateUK  operate an in -house online competition 
process using the online Grant Funding Service which is open to all businesses. Each competition is 
assessed by independent assessors on a non -bias approach.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 11,000,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 8,700,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2015 – 2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
15  EMERGING AND ENABLIN G TECHNOLOGIES SECTO R SCHEME  
 
The Emerging and Enabling Technologies Sector scheme  forms part of the Innovate UK 2014 – 
Evaluation Scheme.  
 
1. Period covered by this notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 14 - 
  2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The purpose of the subsidy is to accelerate growth by stimulating and supporting business -led 
innovation, to encourage collaboration and effective co -operation between companies and research 
organisations, including higher education institutions, and to ra ise both the level and the quality of 
commercially relevant R&D&I activity.  
 
The Emerging and Enabling Technologies  Sector scheme  identifies and accelerates technologies and 
capabilities that lead to new products in major new industries. Emerging Technolog ies finds and 
proves early stage technologies, often from the research base; Enabling Technologies supports 
underpinning technologies that have the potential to disrupt a broad swathe of products across many 
sectors.  
 
3. Background and authority for the scheme  
 
Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, is an executive non -departmental public body sponsored  
by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The legal basis of the scheme  is 
Section 5 of  the Science and Technology Act 1965 . Innov ate UK are now part of a new body 
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is made up of seven Research Councils, Research 
England and Innovate UK. It will be operating under the Higher Education Research Act 2017.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Direct grant , Interest rate subsidy , Loan. Repayable advances.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The scheme is targeted towards small and medium -sized businesses  (SMEs) , enabling them to grow 
and prosper, as well as  large enterprises. InnovateUK  operate an in -house online competition 
process using the online Grant Funding Service which is open to all businesses.  Each competition is 
assessed by independent assessors on a non -bias approach.  
 
6. Amoun t 
 
2017 Total: GBP 128,300,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 115,900,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2015 – 2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
16  HEALTH AND LIFE SCIE NCES SECTOR SCHEME  
 
The Health and Life Sciences Sector scheme  forms part of the Innovate UK 2014 – Evaluation  
Scheme.  
 
1. Period covered by this notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The purpose of the subsidy is to accelerate growth by stimulating and supporting business -led 
innovation, to encourage collaboration and effective co -operation between companies and research 
organisations, including higher education institutions, and to ra ise both the level and the quality of 
commercially relevant R&D&I activity.  
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 15 - 
  The Health and Life Sciences sector scheme  focuses on agriculture , food and healthcare, as well as  
technologies in bioscience and medical research.  
 
3. Background and authority for the scheme  
 
Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, is an executive non -departmental public body sponsored    
by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The legal basis of the scheme is 
Section 5 of the Science and Techn ology Act 1965 . Innovate UK are now part of a new body UK 
Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is made up of seven Research Councils, Research England 
and Innovate UK. It will be operating under the Higher Education Research Act 2017.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Direct grant , Interest rate subsidy , Loan, Repayable advances.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The scheme is targeted towards small and medium -sized businesses  (SMEs) , enabling them to grow 
and prosper, as well as  large enterprises. InnovateUK  operate an in -house online competition 
process using the online Grant Funding Service which is open to all businesses. Each competition is 
assessed by independent assessors on a non -bias approach.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 67,600,000 . 
2018 Total:  GBP 94,700,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2015 – 2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
17  INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTE MS SECTOR SCHEME  
 
The Infrastructure Systems Sector scheme  forms part of the Innovate UK 2014 – Evaluation Scheme.  
 
1. Period covered by this notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The purpose for the subsidy is to accelerate growth by stimulating and supporting business -led 
innovation, to encourage collaboration and effective co -operation between companies and research 
organisations, including higher education institutions, and to r aise both the level and the quality of 
commercially relevant R&D&I activity.  
 
The Infrastructure Systems Sector scheme  focuses on optimising transport and energy systems and 
integrating these with other systems such as health and digital in an urban context, as almost all 
aspect s of modern society are experiencing increasing strain within these areas of infrastructure. 
The scheme  encourag es and support s cross-border research and development which may lead to 
commercialisation of products to simulate growth.  
 
3. Background and authority for the scheme  
 
Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, is an executive non -departmental public body sponsored    
by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The legal basis of the scheme is 
Section 5 of the  Science and Technology Act 1965.  Innovate UK are now part of a new body UK G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 16 - 
  Research and Innovation (UKRI ), which is made up of seven Research Councils, Research England 
and Innovate UK. It will be operating under the Higher Education Research Act 2017.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Direct grant , Interest rate subsidy , Loan, Repayable advances.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The scheme is targeted towards small and medium -sized businesses  (SMEs) , enabling them to grow 
and prosper, as well as  large enterprises. InnovateUK  operate an in -house online competition 
process using the online Grant Funding Service which is open to all businesses.  Each competition is 
assessed by independent assessors on a non -bias approach.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 51,500,000 . 
2018 Total:  GBP 37,500,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2015 – 2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available . 
 
18  INVESTMENTS SECTOR S CHEME  
 
The Investments Sector scheme forms part of the Innovate UK 2014 – Evaluation Scheme.  
 
1. Period covered by this notification  
 
2018. 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The objective of this sector is to broaden the range of innovation finance support available to 
businesses, so they can access funding at all stages of innovation. The lack of funding available to 
innovative businesses at the right time is a barrier to their productivity and growth.  
 
The programmes are only open for SME’s and the subsidy can be used for late -stage research and 
development projects that have not yet reached the point of commercialisation, although the aim is 
that the loan will assist with the production of goods.  
 
3. Background and authority for the scheme  
 
Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, is an executive non -departmental public body sponsored  
by the Depa rtment for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The legal basis of the scheme is 
Section 5 of the Science and Technology Act 1965. Innovate UK are now part of a new body 
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is made up of seven Research Councils, Research 
England and Innovate UK. It will be operating under the Higher Education Research Act 2017.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Loan / Repayable advances.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The scheme is targeted towards small and medium -sized businesses  (SMEs) , enabling them to grow 
and prosper. InnovateUK  operate an in -house online competition process using the online Grant G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 17 - 
  Funding Service which is open to all businesses. Each competition is assessed by independent 
assessors on a non-bias approach.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2018 Total: GBP 16,000,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy:  
 
2015 - 2020. The programme was set up in 2017 under the Innovate UK 2014 – Evaluation Scheme.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
19  MATERIAL AND MANUFAC TURING SECTOR SCHEME  
 
The Material and Manufacturing  Sector  scheme  forms part of the  Innovate UK 2014 – Evaluation 
Scheme.  
 
1. Period covered by this notification  
 
2017 and 201 8. 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The purpose of the subsidy is to accelerate growth by stimulating and supporting business -led 
innovation, to encourage collaboration and effective co -operation between companies and research 
organisations, in cluding higher education institutions, and to raise both the level and the quality of 
commercially relevant R&D&I activity.  
 
The Material and Manufacturing sector scheme aims  to improve economic growth through 
sustainable increases in long-term productivit y across the UK and internationally. The  aim is to boost 
the UK manufacturing supply chains through innovation in areas such as digital manufacturing, 
additive manufacturing, composites, materials integration and industrial biotechnology.  
 
3. Background an d authority for the scheme  
 
Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, is an executive non -departmental public body sponsored  
by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The legal basis of the scheme is 
Section 5 of  the Science and Technology Act 1965 . Innovate UK are now part of a new body 
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), which is made up of seven Research Councils, Research 
England and Innovate UK. It will be operating under the Higher Education Research Act 2017.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Direct grant , Interest rate subsidy , Loan, Repayable advances.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The scheme is targeted towards small and medium -sized businesses  (SMEs) , enabling them to grow 
and prosper, as well as  large enterprises. InnovateUK  operate an in -house online competition 
process using the online Grant Funding Service which is open to all businesses. Each competition is 
assessed by independent assessors on a non -bias approach.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 320,700,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 376,600,000 . 
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 18 - 
  7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2015 –2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
20  LOW EMISSION BUS SCH EME 
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
The objective of the subsidy is to increase the uptake of low and ultra -low emission buses,  to speed 
up the full transition to a low and ultra -low emission bus fleet in England and Wales, to improve air 
quality in urban areas , and to encourage investment in th e UK automotive industry.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
Office for Low Emission Vehicles. Section 5 of the Science and Technology Act 1965 and s ection 31 
of Local Government Act 2003.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy   
 
Grant . 
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Grant is provided to bus operators and local authorities upon receipt of order from the manufacturer.  
 
6. Amount  
 
The total budget of the scheme is GBP 30,400,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
April 2016 – March 2019 . 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
New buses registere d: 
2017: 2,562  
2018: 1,982  
 
New low -emission buses registered : 
2017: 1,198  
2018: 1,627  
 
Statistical data on imports and exports is not available as the scheme solely focuses on buses that 
will be in operation in England and Wales.  
 
21  ELECTRIC VEHICLE HOM E CHARGE SCHEME  
 
1. Period covered by the notification . 
 
2017 and 2018 . G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 19 - 
  2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
To encourage the rollout of domestic and workplace charge  points for electric vehicles.  The Electric 
Vehicle Home Charge Scheme (EVHS) supports the delivery of domestic charge  points to consumers. 
The Workplace Charging Scheme  (WCS)  provides support towards the cost of installing a charge  
point socket for staff and fleet to use.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
Section 5 of the Science and Technology Act . 
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Grant . 
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The grant is paid to the installer of the charge  point on behalf of the customer.  The EVHS offers up 
to GBP 500 towards the purchase of a charge point at an individual’s home. The WCS offers up to 
GBP 500 off the installation of chargi ng sockets deployed at workplaces for consumers and fleets . 
 
6. Amount  
 
GBP 500 per unit in each scheme.  
 
EVHS scheme maximum available budget is up to GBP 20,000,000 per annum.  
WCS scheme maximum available budget is up to GBP 5,000,000 per annum.  
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
Established:  
EVHS  - September 2014 . 
WCS - November 2016 . 
 
The schemes may run until March 2021.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
EVHS  installed : around 24,000 units per annum . 
WCS installed : around 1,000  units per annum.  
 
22  FUTURE FUELS FOR FLI GHT AND FREIGHT STAG E 1 
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2018. 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
A grant funding competition to support the development of a domestic advanced biofuel industry, 
grants have been provided to organisations that will build advanced biofuel plants that will produce 
fuels for Aviation and HGVs.  
 
The intention is to help projects demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of high -potential 
technologies by removing fundamental barriers to scale up, enabling them to reach commercial -scale 
production , to support the development of a domestic advanced biofuel industry for Aviation and 
HGV, and to support the uptake in  the use of low carbon fuels . 
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
Section 5 of the  Science and Technology Act 1965.  
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 20 - 
  4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Match -funded project development grant.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Producers of biofuels, with the caveat that they will not produce biofuel until their projects are 
complete. The projects are still ongoing.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2018 Total: GBP 1,791,294 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
June 2018 - December 2018.  
 
8. Statistical data  permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
23  PLUG -IN GRANTS  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
Vehicle purchase support subsidies (car, van, motorcycle and taxi) to support the early market for 
ultra-low emission vehicles. The grants partially bridge the price differential between eligible 
ultra-low emission vehicles and traditionally fuelled vehicl es. 
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
Section 5 of the Science & Technology Act 1965.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Grant . 
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Purchasers of vehicles are the beneficiaries,  but the funding is paid to vehicle manufacturers.  
 
6. Amount  
 
Plug-in Car Grant – currently 35 % of purchase price up to GBP 3,500 per eligible car. Prior to October 
2018 maximum grant amount was either GBP 4,500 or GBP 2,500 depending on vehicle credentia ls 
(CO2 emissions and zero emission range) . 
 
Plug-in Van Grant – 20% of purchase price up to GBP 8,000 per eligible van or truck. Up to 
GBP 20,000 per vehicle for the first 200 large vans or trucks registered.  
 
Plug-in Motorcycle Grant – 20% of purchase price up to GBP 1,500 per eligible motorcycle.  
 
Plug-in Taxi Grant – eligible taxis are allocated into one of two categories based on their carbon 
emissions and zero -emission range. 20 % of purchase price up to either GBP 7,500 or GBP 3,000.  
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 21 - 
  7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
Established:  
Plug-in Car Grant – 2011; 
Plug-in Van Grant – 2012; 
Plug-in Motorcycle Grant – 2016; 
Plug-in Taxi Grant – 2017. 
 
All will continue at least through 2019.  
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade eff ects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  Only vehicles registered for the first time in the UK benefit from plug -
in grants.  
 
24  RAIL INNOVATION PROG RAMME  
 
1. Period covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018. 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsid y 
 
The objective is  to maximise innovation in the UK rail industry.  The Rail Technical Strategy  sets out 
the UK rail industry’s vision for the future development of the railways and the technological 
developments which will be needed to realise it. This programme provides funding to demonstrate 
technology in a live rail environment and to prove its benefits to the rail industry, to encourage 
take-up and adoption.  
 
3. Background and authority for the subsidy  
 
Section 6 of the Rai lways Act 2005.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Grant funding is provided to InnovateUK, an executive non -departmental public body, for the 
purposes of running competitions, with companies bidding to win funding for their innovations.  
 
5. To whom and how the subs idy is provided  
 
The grant is provided to InnovateUK, who fund innovators through competitions. The ultimate 
recipients of the funding are producers of innovative products . 
 
The amount awarded to each innovator depends on their bid but each competition set s an upper 
limit per project funded. Payment is made on the basis of cost incurred, if this falls below the upper 
amount agreed for a project, only the actual cost incurred will be funded.  
 
6. Amount  
 
Total amount available for the programme: GBP 36,675,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2017 – 2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 22 - 
  25  RAIL RESEARCH GRANT  
 
1. Period covered by the notification.  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
 
Funding to Rail Safety & Standards Board to deliver and follow up cross -industry research that 
addresses the short to long -term needs of the GB rail industry, UK government and travelling public. 
The Rail Tec hnical Strategy  sets out the UK rail industry’s vision for the future development of the 
railways and the technological developments which will be needed to realise it. This grant provides 
funding to RSSB, an industry membership body, to respond to system -wide issues. It includes 
requirements for truly cross -industry research that individual companies could not carry out on their 
own. It covers a variety of topics  such as safety, environment, cost reduction and capacity 
improvement.  
 
3. Background and autho rity for the subsidy  
 
Section 6 of the Railways Act 2005 . 
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
Grant, with conditions set out above.  
 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
 
The grant is provided to RSSB, who use the funding to procure research, deliver research d irectly, 
carry out early feasibility competitions  and work in strategic partnerships . The grant is paid to RSSB 
quarterly in advance.  
 
6. Amount  
 
2017 Total: GBP 9,275,000 . 
2018 Total: GBP 9,525,000 . 
 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
 
2015 – 2020. 
 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
No statistical data available.  
 
26  THE EUROPEAN MARITIM E AND FISHERIES FUND  (EMFF)  
 
1. Period  covered by the notification  
 
2017 and 2018 . 
 
2. Policy  objectives and/or purpose  
 
The EMFF promotes sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. It also fosters the implementation of 
measures that are subject to new rules to ensure better compliance of EU Member States and 
operators with the objectives, rules and t argets of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).  
 
The UK OP covers the six ‘Union Priorities’ defined in the EMFF, namely:  
 
(i) Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource -efficient, innovative, competitive and 
knowledge -based fisheries ; 
(ii) Fostering environmentally sustainable, resource -efficient, innovative, competitive, and 
knowledge -based aquaculture ; G/SCM/N/343/EU/Add.28  
- 23 - 
  (iii) Implementation  of the Common Fisheries Policy ; 
(iv) Increasing employment and territorial cohesion ; 
(v) Fostering marketing and processing ; 
(vi) Implementation of the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) . 
 
3. Background and authority  
 
With regard to the EMFF , the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union articles 42, 43(2), 
91(1), 100(2), 173(3), 175, 188, 192(1), 194(2), 195(2) and 349 are relevant. In accordance with 
the principles of shared management, Member States and the European Commission are re sponsible 
for the management and control of programmes. The UK has primary responsibility, through our 
management and control system, for the implementation and control of the operations being 
supported under the EMFF programme.  
 
4. Form of the subsidy  
 
The EMFF is used to co -finance projects, along with UK national funding. The UK was allocated a 
share of the total EU EMFF budget, based on the size of our fishing industry. As mentioned previously, 
the UK produced an operational programme setting out how it  intends to spend the money. Once 
the European Commission approved the programme, the UK decides which projects will be funded. 
The UK and the European Commission are jointly responsible for the implementation of the 
programme.  
 
5. To whom  and how the subsidy is provided  
 
Beneficiaries are selected on the basis of selection criteria agreed between the 4 Devolved 
Governments and Administrations, and the UK Managing Authority. Beneficiaries can include 
fishermen, fishermen organisations, busi nesses involved with fisheries, aquaculture, fish processing 
sectors, SMEs, fish producer organisations, professional organisations, fisheries local action groups, 
cooperatives and local and national public bodies.  
 
Under EMFF rules, access to funds is con ditional upon the compliance by the UK and operators with 
the objectives, rules and targets of the CFP. Particularly, control obligations, the rules against illegal, 
unregulated and unreported fishing, and data collection.  
 
6. Total budget of the programme  
 
The total UK contribution to the EMFF budget is EUR 66,854,545.  
 
7. Duration  of the subsidy  
 
2014 to 2020 (31 December 2023 by virtue of the n+3 rule).  
 
8. Statistical data  permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
 
Given that the main objective of the fund is to support environmentally sustainable, resource 
efficient, competitive fisheries which are more selective, produce less discards, and do less damag e 
to marine ecosystems. The structural support granted under the UK programme has no trade 
distortionary effects.  
 
The UK (and EU) has a shortfall in fisheries and aquaculture products and is a major importer of 
products from the rest of the world to meet structural deficiencies. Therefore the support granted 
under the programme has very limited influence on this situa tion. 
 
__________