Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster (SAIC): business and regulatory impact assessment 2026

Section 4: Additional implementation considerations

Enforcement/ compliance

SAIC will not exercise enforcement powers; compliance will relate only to funding agreements and standard financial governance requirements.

UK/EU/International alignment

The new SAIC does not introduce regulatory divergence within the UK and activities are consistent with existing innovation and research frameworks. These do not conflict with EU and international trade obligations.

Legal Aid

The proposal to establish SAIC as an independent entity is not expected to have any implications for individuals’ access to justice or for the demand of legal services. It does not create new legal rights, duties, offences or enforcement mechanisms and is therefore unlikely to result in additional court or tribunal proceedings. No impact is anticipated.

Digital impact

The proposal to establish SAIC takes account of digital technologies in its design and delivery model. It is anticipated that SAIC will operate primarily through digital channels for communication, engagements and funding application processes.

The proposal does not create digital-only regulatory requirements and will not restrict access for organisations that prefer offline engagement. SAIC does not impose enforceable obligations.

Overall, the proposal is expected to have neutral to positive digital impact, enabling efficient engagement and reducing administrative burden through the use of appropriate digital systems.

Business forms

The proposal does not introduce any new statutory or regulatory forms that businesses will be required to complete. Any application or monitoring processes associated with SAIC funding will be developed separately and will be voluntary in nature.

Should new forms or reporting requirements be introduced in the future, these will be designed in consultation with users and tested.