Farmers paid late deserve immediate cash this year - Farron
Farmers who received last year's farm support payments after the payment window ended should have this year's claims paid in full immediately, according to South Lakes MP Tim Farron.
The payment window for the 2015 scheme was supposed to close on the 30th June 2015. However, it is estimated that the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is still reviewing last year's claims for around 1200 farmers. The vast majority of late payments related to common land claims.
Tim has proposed that all those who received last year's payment after the 30th June should be given their 2016 payment in full and immediately.
Tim said: "The RPA's shambolic handling of last year's rural payments scheme has been a nightmare for farmers, with those claiming for common land worst-hit of all.
"Many farmers are about to head in to Christmas without money they had expected more than a year ago. These are people working long hours to make a living, with bills to pay, livestock and buildings to look after, and supplies to buy. The RPA has let them down badly.
"It is therefore only right that those who were forced to wait for their money until after the payment window was supposed to close should be given special treatment this year. These farmers should receive this year's payment immediately and in full. The RPA must support these farmers, rather than leave them at the bottom of the queue."