Policy paper

Freeports bidding prospectus

The Freeports bidding prospectus gives further details on the UK Freeports model and sets out how bidders can apply for Freeport status in England.

• From: HM Treasury and Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2018 to 2021)
• Published: 16 November 2020
• Last updated: 8 April 2021 — See all updates

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Documents

Freeports bidding prospectus (Web)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-2252-3, 2044, CP 315

PDF, 982 KB, 50 pages

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Freeports bidding prospectus (Print)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-2252-3 , 3044, CP 315

PDF, 981 KB, 50 pages

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Freeports clarification Q&A

PDF, 452 KB, 22 pages

English Freeports selection decision-making note

HTML

Maps of the successful English Freeport bids

PDF, 1.3 MB, 9 pages

Details

Freeports bidding prospectus

The bidding prospectus is a guide for bidders competing for Freeport status in England. It sets out the government’s ambition for Freeports policy, the government’s core Freeport objectives, what is expected of bidders and what a best-in-class Freeport proposal will set out.

The bidding prospectus provides additional detail on the UK’s Freeports model, including clear geographic guidelines on site design and size, and how Freeport levers relating to customs, tax, planning, regeneration and innovation will work. The prospectus outlines what bidders are expected to set out in their proposals how they can take full advantage of each measure. Finally, we provide information on how Freeports should be delivered, and provide details of the fair, open and transparent selection process that will see successful Freeport locations announced in the spring.

We want all the nations of the UK to be able to share in the benefits of Freeports as soon as possible. We are working with the devolved administrations to develop proposals to establish at least one Freeport in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, in addition to those allocated in England via this process. Cross border bids between England and other UK nations are acceptable, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.

This competition closed at noon on the 5 February 2021. Successful bidders were announced by the Chancellor at Budget on the 3 March 2021.

English Freeports decision-making note

The English Freeports decision-making note outlines the process and rationale for the selection of the successful freeport locations in England announced at Budget.

English Freeports tax site designation

Freeport tax sites are given powers in legislation which defines the geographical area in which Freeport reliefs on Stamp Duty Land Tax, enhanced capital allowances and structures and buildings allowance, National Insurance contributions, and business rates apply. The maps which define these areas as recognised in law have been published, alongside more information about the designations, under Maps of Freeports and Freeport tax sites.

Published 16 November 2020
Last updated 8 April 2021 + show all updates

1. 8 April 2021

   Added Maps of the successful English Freeport bids.

2. 17 March 2021

   Added English Freeports selection decision-making note.

3. 18 January 2021

   Added Freeports Clarification Q&A.

4. 16 November 2020

   First published.