If clicking on the "Big Issues" folder does not list any pages above, click here for an index
A complicated deal to provide vital subsidies for farmers was agreed months ago in Brussels. But the paperwork on this side of the channel went haywire, the Government's computers crashed and the money was missing.....MILLIONS of it. In 2005 the Government promised every penny was going to be paid out by March 2006. It wasn't. Then the Government says it would be paid out by October. That deadline came and went. Farmers are deeply distrustful. 25000 of them are still waiting to receive money as February 2007 comes to a close.
This is both a scandal and a tragedy. Unless farmers are paid and paid soon many face the danger of insolvency. And unless the Government solves the paperwork problems then we'll all have to cough up....because the rules demand that every country complies or else is forced to surrender a hefty fine..........to Brussels. In fact the Treasury has now set aside £305 million simply to pay the fine!!!
For once it is not Europe's fault, it is purely ours. The Government set up a Rural Payments Agency (there's a link to them below) to deal with it.
Somerset's farmers have been writing to me in desperation and by the score. I am fighting on their behalf. Help me to help them. Show your support by getting in touch.
I pledge to copy everything to the new Secretary of State, Hilary Benn
(We are not responsible for the content of external web sites)
And, if you haven't already done so, have a look at my general farming page: FARMING & FOOD