Evaluation of the Grant for UDX Development Company
The SAU reviews the £400 million grant proposal for UDX and its impact on Bedfordshire.
On August 12, 2026, the Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) published its final report on the grant proposed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for UDX Development Company Limited. This report evaluates the compliance of the £400 million grant under the requirements of the Subsidy Control Act 2022.
Details of the Proposed Grant
The DCMS proposes to grant this subsidy to support the expansion of UDX in the United Kingdom. The company plans to build a theme park and resort in Bedfordshire, which will require an initial significant investment of over £6 billion. The grant, delivered through the Exceptional Regional Growth Fund, aims to cover capital expenses to open the park.
Economic and Social Impact
The project is expected to attract over one million visitors annually and generate a significant national economic impact estimated at £50 billion. Additionally, around 28,000 jobs are projected to be created in the creative, hospitality, and construction sectors.
Assessment and Compliance
The SAU report, initially requested on June 30, 2026, examines the proposal's compliance with the Subsidy Control Act. The analysis was completed within a period of 30 working days. Stakeholders can still submit their feedback to the DCMS, provided consent is given to share the information.
Evaluation Process
- DCMS Request: Made on June 30, 2026.
- Evaluation by SAU: Completed on August 12, 2026.
For more details on the evaluation period and transparency, consult the relevant section in the operation of the SAU's subsidy control functions.
Considerations for Third Parties
Interested parties can submit their contributions to the DCMS via email at [email protected]. Contributions must be included in the report and shareable with the DCMS to be considered. Explicit consent for the disclosure of submissions must be granted if they contain confidential information.
For more information on confidentiality, please refer to materials on the SAU's subsidy control functions.
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Miguel Sandoval
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Miguel Sandoval tracks gambling legislation, licensing, and regulator enforcement — from Spain's DGOJ and the Latin American authorities to the UKGC, the MGA, and the state-by-state map in North America. The reports answer three questions precisely — what changed, where, and who it affects — with jurisdictions, dates, and penalties cited exactly as published. Operators and compliance officers read Miguel Sandoval to know which rulebook moved before their next meeting.
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