Tim Farron says the Government’s rural incompetence has cost taxpayers £90million
“It is time for a simpler, more cost-effective system which helps farmers get their payments efficiently, effectively and on time,” said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary.
Commenting on the UK’s £15.9milliuon fine for failing to comply with Common Agricultural Policy rules, Tim Farron said:
“The British taxpayer is now stumping up for the Government’s incompetence but British farmers have already paid a high price.
“The Government’s failure to issue payments promptly in 2005 pushed many farmers to the brink.
“The chaotic handling of the Rural Payments Agency has now cost the British taxpayer £90million in fines to the EU.
“It’s absolutely staggering that Defra is throwing money down the drain at a time when all Government departments are being asked to tighten their belts.
“It is time for a simpler, more cost-effective system which helps farmers get their payments efficiently, effectively and on time.”
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