Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the level of administrative costs incurred by businesses in applying for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme.

The Department does not have a formal estimate of the average time businesses are expected to spend on an application for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, or the associated administrative costs. This reflects the fact that businesses vary in size and circumstances, meaning the time and effort required will differ between applicants.

There are several features of scheme design that are intended to minimise administrative burden. This includes an online eligibility checker, comprehensive business guidance, flexibility on evidence requirements where appropriate, the option to use third parties to support applications, and regular webinars to help scheme understanding and process.