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Single farm payments concern
11:36am Monday 12th May 2008
A LOCAL MP is concerned about the state of play for Single Farm Payments.
David Maclean, who represents Penrith and the Border, put down a Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State at DEFRA, Hilary Benn, to ask him to make a statement on the number of Single Farm Payments which have been paid to date, and the number and amount outstanding for the current and last two years.
Mr Maclean said: "I have put down this PQ in response to a large number of calls I have received from constituents who are desperate for their Single Farm Payment.
"I have cases of farmers paying in excess of £100 a day in bank charges because the Government cannot organise itself to make the payments it owes.
"The situation is reaching breaking point and many farmers are very much on the verge of leaving the industry.
"The NFU are receiving the same calls and even though the RPA have assured us that there has been no freeze on SFP there can be no doubt that payments have slowed down dramatically.
"If any farmer would like me to raise their specific case both with DEFRA and the RPA please send all your details to me at david@davidmaclean.com."
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Paul Fillingham, says...
7:29pm Mon 12 May 08
My name is Paul Fillingham and rent 101 Ha arable farm in partnership with my father in North Lincolnshire.
Our cropping is Wheat,Barley Oil Seed Rape and Marrowfat Peas. We have had late payments from the RPA every year since the SFP was introduced in 2005
We are always told by the agency that there are no problems with our claim, just that it is yet to be validated and authorised. " You will be paid soon!"
Every year I have had to arrange an extension to our banking overdraft. With the information for the bank that I have no idea when the SFP will arrive!!
I have found this all very stressful as farm prices, up until now have been very low.
I'm not sure if you will be able to resolve anything, as the RPA's computer seems to have a mind of its own and none of the staff can control it!
However I will feel better knowing someone else knows our problems.
Payment dates are as follows:
2005 SFP received part payment 14 June 2006 / Top up payment received 13 December 2006
2006 SFP received part payment 19 February 2007 / Top up payment received 21 May 2007
2007 SFP None to date.
If the RPA where trying to run a business the receivers would have been called in years ago!
One frustrated Farmer
Paul Fillingham