Freeports

We work with local authorities across the eight English Freeport areas to support them in their role as local planning authority and key stakeholder for Freeports. As part of this, we have established a network of planners in Freeport local authorities who are helping to share planning experience and best practice, as well as keeping up to date with national developments.


What are Freeports?

Freeports are all about securing the economic future of the UK, by reorienting regional economies towards innovative, low-carbon sectors like renewables and advanced manufacturing, including building new clusters in industrial sectors of the future and creating long-term high-quality jobs for local people. By offering tax reliefs and more flexible customs rules on a small number of designated sites, Freeports seek to:

  • Promote regeneration and job creation;

  • Become established as national hubs for global trade and investment; and

  • Create hotbeds for innovation.

Government has designated 8 Freeports across England, 2 Freeports in Scotland, and 2 Freeports in Wales. 

Freeports delivery is led by a local partnership of councils, businesses, and other key stakeholders that together forms the Freeport governing bodies, responsible for delivering the economic strategy agreed in the Freeports business case. The involvement of local authorities provides democratic accountability for Freeport activity and Freeports do not take away any existing powers from them.

Each UK Freeport features a port, an outer boundary, up to three tax sites and one or more customs sites.

Where are the English Freeports located?

 

Map showing the Freeport locations in England
Source: Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weblinks for further information.

General:

Freeports guidance – a government website bringing together information on Freeports operating in the UK. 

Freeports maps – a government website with a list of Freeport maps, customs sites, tax site locations and a statement on the designation process. 

UK Freeports – a government website with details about UK Freeports, how they operate, living and working in a Freeport and the latest case studies.

Freeports in the UK – a Department of Business and Trade website providing further information on Freeports, their opportunities and benefits.

Freeports Delivery Roadmap – a guidance document from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (now MHCLG) setting out the measures being taken to maximise the future success of Freeports.

Environment:

Protected Sites Strategies | Local Government Association

Natural England offices and area teams - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

In addition to nature and wildlife, water resources and air quality regulations also apply. The British Ports Association have produced this report on the recent changes through new legislation - Environment Act 2021 Legislative review of impacts on UK Ports