Confusion over SRDP funding requests continues - McArthur (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Confusion over SRDP funding requests continues - McArthur

January 16, 2009 12:01 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liam McArthur, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, has learned that 25% of farmers and crofters who submit a statement of intent for funding under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) have received a red light.

Commenting Mr McArthur said:

"The high number of red light responses is worrying in itself. Given that ministers have accepted that their system was not properly explained and has led to farmers and crofters not taking forward applications that, with a little more work, could be viable funding submissions, these figures are even more alarming.

"There is growing and widespread evidence that the way in which programmes under the SRDP have been implemented has resulted in farmers and crofters giving up even trying to submit funding requests. As the time and costs involved can be high, this is hardly surprising.

"Having heard these concerns directly from the NFUS LFASS Committee before Christmas, Richard Lochhead must now respond. These figures further illustrate the need for urgent action from the Scottish Government."