Warrington Borough Council, LiveWire

• The total value of the subsidy is estimated as a minimum of £8,812,000. The purpose of the subsidy was to ensure the viability of LiveWire (a leisure services management company established by the Council) following execution of a restructuring plan.
• Our key takeaways are:
  • If the services which are the subject of the subsidy can be assessed individually (particularly in relation to Principle E and Principle F), this should be done.
  • Assessments should carefully consider (with reference to the Statutory Guidance) the application of the requirements of section 29 of the Subsidy Control Act 2022, relating to Services of Public Economic Interest, to all elements of the proposed subsidy.
  • Restructuring subsidies should be based on a credible restructuring plan to return the enterprise to long-term viability within a reasonable period of time. Assessments need to clearly set out how elements of the restructuring plan (e.g., financial, operational and/or revenue-enhancing measures) will address this, other than through ongoing subsidy.

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