This 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.
Bidders wanting to apply for Freeport status in England
should complete this form by noon 5
February 2021.
To be kept informed about Freeports, please sign up to our
Freeport updates mailing list by completing this form.
