Walker Morris represents Appellant in first Subsidy Control Act case before Court of Appeal
11th June 2026
Walker Morris’ Real Estate & Housing Litigation team has represented the appellant in the Court of Appeal in Aubrey Weis v Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), concerning the lawfulness of public funding for a major residential development in Manchester.
The appeal was heard on 9 and 10 June 2026. The case concerned whether GMCA lawfully provided approximately £120 million in funding to support the development of two residential skyscrapers.
The case is the first to be considered by the Court of Appeal under the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and is expected to provide guidance on the application of the regime in the UK.
Walker Morris previously secured permission to appeal the decision of the Competition Appeal Tribunal delivered in Summer 2025.
Partner Martin McKeague led the Walker Morris Real Estate & Housing Litigation team advising the appellant, supported by Sarah Ward (Partner, Competition), David Manda (Director, Real Estate Litigation) and Jonathan Whitaker.
Commenting on the case, Martin McKeague and Sarah Ward said: “This appeal raises important questions about the application and operation of the UK’s subsidy control regime. The Court of Appeal’s decision is likely to provide clarity to public bodies and developers regarding the funding of development and regeneration projects and more generally the structuring of public-private investment.”
Walker Morris were supported by Counsel for the appellant Joseph Barrett KC and Oliver Jackson of 11KBW.
