The Farmers Mart Oct/Nov 2016 - Issue 48 | Page 51

Sheep

Urgent action
needed on BPS
delays in payments
and statements
»»THE PROBLEM OF LATE DELIVERY OF
the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and farmer
statements has still not been resolved, with
the National Sheep Association (NSA) hearing
of many cases relating to sheep farmers in
upland and common grazing situations.
While the unacceptable situation in
Scotland has been well documented, sheep
farmers in England and Wales are also still
waiting for settlement almost nine months
after the deadline. Some have not even had
their statement outlining the total amount
they can expect. NSA believes urgent action
is needed from the rural payments agencies
in all three nations to remedy the problems
caused to farm businesses.
Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says:
“The types of farms affected are those often
living hand to mouth, with struggles enough
already without the issue of settlement
payments still not being made. This is
creating real hardship amongst farming
families, some of whom we have heard are
turning to charities to put food on the table.

“To make matters worse we are hearing
of cases where statements have not
been received indicating the monies
due, which means getting support from
banks or credit from suppliers is difficult.
As the year end approaches, so too
does the time of year many businesses
will be looking at end of year accounts
and budgeting. It is simply unacceptable
for the Government to expect them to
be able to do this without the financial
information provided by the statements.
“The situation as it stands simply cannot
be allowed to replicate itself next year. It
is vital the RPA steps up its game and puts
procedures and measures in place now to
ensure payments and statements go out
in timely fashion next year.”
NSA is hearing from an increasing
number of our members on this issue,
and the situations individuals are finding
themselves in are growing in severity.
Greg Dalton, NSA Northern Region
Chairman and sheep farmer from County

Durham, echoes the comments about
the increasing severity of the situation.
He says: “I know Brexit has become the
main topic on people’s minds recently,
but I really feel this is something that
needs dealing with. I’ve heard of some
farmers who’ve had bailiffs at their door
demanding payments, and I know several
people who’ve had to seek assistance
from farming charities. There are people
in this area of the country who are
struggling to keep their heads above
water, solely down to the fact they are
yet to receive a payment which was due
months ago.”
George Milne, NSA Scottish Region
Development Officer, provides an update
on the situation north of the border. He
says: “Figures produced in mid-October
show progress has been made, with
18,268 businesses out of 18,327 eligible
to claim a BPS payment last year having
now received it. Obviously, there are
still a proportion of businesses yet to
receive their money and the whole
process has been extremely difficult for
farmers to say the least. In terms of this
year’s payment, Scottish Government has
recently announced a new loan scheme
due to start this month. Farmers who
sign up will receive 80% of their BPS due
during November, although a start date
for payments is yet to be announced.
My understanding is that there are still
a significant number of farmers eligible
for this scheme who are yet to sign
up, I’d urge those individuals to do so
immediately to avoid missing out.”
In stark contrast to those farmers in
England, Wales and Scotland still waiting
for last year’s payment, Northern Ireland
delivered the 2015 scheme on time and
NSA understands that 90% of eligible
claimants for this year’s scheme have
already received 70% of their money.

www.farmers-mart.co.uk Oct/Nov 2016 51