Calls for urgency on BPS payments as 20% still not paid

NFU Cymru has expressed concern that approximately 20 per cent of farmers are still to receive their BPS part-payments. NFU Cymru has said it is essential that the Welsh Government pays the outstanding claims before the BPS 2016 application process starts shortly.

NFU Cymru President, Stephen James said, “It’s unacceptable that thousands of cash-strapped farmers are still waiting for their BPS part payments. These farmers must be paid as soon as possible; the danger is now that these delays may compromise the ability to smoothly implement the application window for 2016.

“We have been inundated with members informing us about the lack of information available on their individual cases when they ring the Rural Payments Wales Customer Contact Centre. I have written to the Deputy Minister to re-iterate once again the importance of ensuring the remaining BPS part payments are made as soon as possible.

“I have asked that where payments continue to be delayed that firm details are given as to when the individual business is to receive payment and a named contact within Welsh Government for them to be able to discuss their case. This is absolutely crucial to help with farm business planning and for farmers to be able to discuss their circumstances with their bank and creditors. Farmers surely have every right to know the situation regarding their own payment.”

See also: Welsh farmers facing 'extreme financial difficulty' whilst awaiting payments