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From YouTube: Statement: Common Agricultural Policy, A Plan to Stabilise Future Payments - 12 September 2017
Description
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A
The
next
item
of
business
is
the
statement
by
fergus
Ewing
on
Common
Agricultural
Policy,
a
plan
to
stabilize
future
payments.
The
cabinet
secretary
will
take
questions
at
the
end
of
his
statement,
so
there
should
be
no
interventions
or
interruptions
and
I
call
on
fair
issuing
for
up
to
15
minutes.
Please
thank.
B
You
signing
officer
the
Scottish
Government
is
committed
to
ensuring
eligible
rural
businesses
who
apply
to
the
Scottish
Government
for
support
under
the
Common
Agricultural
Policy
receive
their
entitlements
promptly
and
in
full.
This
must
also
be
done
in
full
compliance
with
the
prevailing
regulatory
regime.
I
am
clear,
however,
that
although
improvements
have
been
made,
we
have
not
fully
achieved
that
aim.
During
the
current
Common
Agricultural
Policy
cycle.
B
Continued
action
is
needed
not
just
on
the
substance
of
how
we
deliver
payments,
but
on
the
way
we
conduct
our
business
to
ensure
our
customers
are
at
the
centre
of
our
approach.
How
we
arrived
at
this
point
is
important
in
understanding
how
we
move
forward.
Good
progress
has
been
made
in
delivering
the
rural
payments
and
services
system
compared
with
2015
and
16,
but
challenges
remain
the
policy
and
the
legal
environment
is
extremely
complex.
Decisions
taken
to
design
our
systems
were
done
in
full
collaboration
with
our
partners.
B
A
customer-focused
approach,
but
one
which
undoubtedly
added
more
complexity
and
the
future
policy
and
legal
landscape
is
far
from
clear
when
it
comes
to
the
UK's
approach
to
brake
slit
negotiations,
but
the
risks
to
Scottish
agriculture
and
farming
are
very
real
without
clarity
and
soon
even
more
concerning
is
the
agricultural
policy
hitherto
devolved
to
the
Scottish.
Parliament
lending
officer
is
at
risk
of
being
reassimilated
by
the
UK
government
through
the
EU
withdraw
bill.
Despite
all
this,
my
role
as
cabinet
secretary
remains
clear.
B
I
will
continue
to
work
to
ensure
that
our
eligible
rural
businesses
who
apply
for
funding
can
get
paid
in
full
and
on
time.
My
firm
commitment
is
to
offer
customers
AC
AP
service,
as
well
as
the
right
tools
are
fit
for
purpose,
not
just
today
tomorrow,
as
well
with
the
closure
of
the
CA
P
2016
pillar,
one
payment
window
in
June,
the
Scottish
Government
has
captured
lessons
from
a
rapid
review
of
delivery.
B
These
complement
findings
from
audit
Scotland's
reports
in
216
and
this
year
and
therefore
today
publishing
a
Common
Agricultural
Policy
plan
for
stabilization
copies
will
be
available
to
members
immediately
and
online.
The
plan
aims
to
target
specific
and
sustainable
improvements
in
our
strategic
approach,
business
and
IT
processes
to
deliver
a
value
for
money
and
compliance
with
EU
regulations.
B
The
plan
also
prepares
for
the
the
business
for
an
uncertain
future
and
throat
looks
to
improve
the
quality
and
timeliness
of
engagement
with
customers.
Sorry
officer
I
would
like
now
to
cover
briefly
the
key
areas
within
the
plan
in
order
to
deliver
payments
in
full
and
on
time,
we
will
continue
to
tackle
the
major
causes
of
poor
customer
service,
error
and
payment
delay
by
investing
further
in
our
business
and
IT
systems.
This
plan
is
based
around
five
key
aims.
First,
payment
to
customers
will
be
made
on
time
in
full
and
compliantly
with
relevant
law.
B
Second,
customers
will
have
a
more
consistent
and
responsive
service
when
interacting
with
our
staff.
Third
customers
will
be
empowered
to
take
more
direct
control
over
their
applications
and
land
information
for
the
tools
we
use
and
share
with
customers,
including
RIT,
will
reflect
the
needs
of
customers
and
business
now
and
in
the
future
and
fifth,
we
will
support
the
development
of
our
people
and
drive
efficiency
in
our
business
processes.
These
aims
are
supported
by
six
focused
areas
of
improvement
and
I
will
take
these
in
order,
starting
with
what
our
customers
experience.
B
Sorry
officer,
I've
visited
most
of
the
market
offices
and
I
have
spoken
to
the
excellent
staff
who
work
in
them.
They
have
a
huge
commitment
to
their
work.
They
are
trusted
and
they
are
appreciated
by
our
farmers
and
crafters
but
I,
and
they
want
to
do
more
and
do
better.
So
we
will
improve
the
customer
experience
through
the
publication
of
service
standards,
so
customers
know
what
to
expect
and
what
their
obligations
are
when
applying
for
funding
I'm
also,
today
providing
much-needed
clarity
and
certainty
for
farming
businesses
by
publishing
a
schedule
of
key
dates.
B
This
Shantou
includes
all
pillar
1
and
2
schemes,
application
windows,
inspection
windows
and
those
for
our
loan
schemes.
In
addition,
we
will
be
improving
the
timeliness
and
accuracy
of
customer
letters
and
streamlining
our
guidance.
We
will
improve
our
relationship
with
our
customers
through
the
use
of
modern
communication
channel
source.
We
can
better
understand
their
needs.
I
can
confirm
today
that,
in
that
spirit,
we've
already
made
efforts
to
contact
the
few
remaining.
B
Our
fast
2015
customers,
who
have
neither
received
their
payment
nor
applied
for
a
loan
to
discuss
their
circumstances,
to
stabilize
payments
for
those
recently
applying
I've
agreed
with
the
cabinet
secretary
for
finance
and
Constitution
the
financial
backing
to
announce
today,
a
new
loan
scheme
for
eligible
basic
payment
scheme
customers
who
applied
this
year.
The
scheme
will
provide
equivalent
funding,
not
at
80
percent,
as
was
the
case
last
year,
but
at
90%
of
their
estimated
entitlement
in
terms
of
timing.
B
I
understand
that
the
period
from
November
to
the
year
end
is
often
an
important
time
for
farmers
and
crafters
to
make
major
spending
decisions.
So
that's
why
I'm
announcing
the
loan
scheme
now
so
that
compared
to
years
past
the
Queen
CA
payments
will
be
paid
in
December
or
January.
The
overwhelming
majority
of
farmers
will
be
able
to
access
almost
all
of
their
funding
from
November.
B
B
That
means
our
fast
217
scheme
payments,
beginning
in
May
2018.
Our
fast
payments
are
complex
and
from
a
technical
standpoint,
dependent
on
the
full
processing
and
validation
of
bps
entitlements.
This
complexity
has
always
meant
that
they
are
subject
to
possible
delay.
However,
I
am
I.
Am
today
committing
the
Scottish
Government
to
starting
payments
to
elf
fast
customers
in
May
next
year,
I
will
assess
progress
in
early
218
and
if
it
is
clear
that
we
cannot
start
these
payments
in
May,
presiding
officer,
I
will
bring
forward
a
further
L
fast
loan
scheme
payable
from
April.
B
This
would
be
at
90
percent
of
eligible
claim
value
and
ensures
eligible
customers
will
receive
virtually
all
of
their
claim.
As
expected
to
support
this
work,
we
will
simplify
our
business
and
in
doing
so,
we
will
free
up
capacity
to
help
us
deliver
customer
service
and
excellence.
We
will
limit
this
in
changes
that
we
make
that
cause
complexity,
and
we
will
pilot
new
ways
of
undertaking
land
inspections
to
improve
efficiency,
starting
tool
and
information
management.
B
We
propose
to
implement
a
new
system
of
land
information
management
from
early
next
year,
giving
farmers
the
ability
to
verify
the
data
we
hold
already
and
be
able
to
update
it
directly
and
online.
This
change
represents
a
major
improvement
in
business
efficiency
and
will,
in
turn
reduce
errors
and
move
significant
activity
away
from
a
challenging
part
of
the
payment
cycle.
To
complement
this
change,
we
will
encourage
and
support
all
remaining
paper
customers
to
apply
online
from
2018
to
build
on
the
78
percent
online
shafts
received
last
year.
B
This
will
reduce
errors,
data
errors
and
improve
our
ability
to
process
applications
on
time
as
the
Capitol
secretary
for
rural
economy
and
also
connectivity
I'm
doubly
aware
that
some
farmers
and
trough
stirs
are
still
not
comfortable
with
using
internet.
For
this
purpose,
I've
weighed
on
the
benefits
of
a
compulsory
approach,
I've
weighed
on
the
benefits
of
a
compulsory
approach
to
applications
and
decided,
therefore
not
to
make
online
staff
mandatory.
B
B
We
will
continue
to
improve
knowledge,
transfer
and
disaster
recovery
plans
across
all
our
business
areas.
Learning
Officer
I
recognize
that
farmers,
foresters,
crafters
and
businesses
need
to
forward
plan,
often
years
ahead
and
I'm
doing
everything
I
can
to
provide
stability
to
help
them.
The
UK
government
claims
to
be
doing
the
same.
B
Meanwhile,
farmers
need
certainty
to
plan
their
crops.
Foresters
need
certainty
to
plan.
New
woodlands
and
rural
businesses
need
certainty
to
plan
for
growth.
The
Minister
for
UK
negotiations
on
Scotland's
place
in
Europe,
the
cabinet
secretary
for
finance,
the
Constitution
and
I
are
seeking
clarity
about
this
as
a
matter
of
urgency.
In
summary,
presiding
officer,
I
have
listened,
listened
carefully
to
what
farming,
businesses,
crafters
and
national
bodies
have
said,
and
what
I
have
been
told
is
that
people
want
a
system
that
provides
certainty.
B
Certainty
is
the
bedrock
of
confidence,
and
confidence
is
vital
if
businesses
are
to
invest.
That's
why
I
took
action
to
implement
the
loan
scheme
last
year.
It's
why
I
am
implementing
a
BPS
loan
scheme
this
year
and
it's
why
I'm
pre
announcing
a
possible
loan
scheme
for
our
elf
ass
next
year
and
all
the
while
I'm
taking
the
tough
decisions
to
ensure
that
the
underlying
cap
payment
systems
are
stabilizing
and
improving,
so
that
one
day
we
will
not
need
loans
at
all.
A
The
cabinet
secretary
will
now
take
questions
on
the
issues
raised
in
his
statement.
I've
got
up
to
30
minutes
for
questions
and
after
that,
we'll
move
on
to
the
next
item
of
business.
Could
members
who
wish
to
ask
a
question
press
the
request
to
speak
buttons?
No
and
I
call
on
peaceful
Chapman,
please
to
be
followed
by
Roger
grant
Thank.
C
You
presiding
officer
and
I
wish
that
our
members
to
my
register
of
interests
and
I
thank
the
companies
take
a
day
for
prior
sake
of
his
statement
and
I
welcome
the
promises
set
out
in
the
minister's
statement.
It
is
about
time
we
had
a
coherent
plan
on
the
next
steps
regarding
car
payments
and
I
welcomed
the
loan
scheme,
which
I
called
for
in
my
speech
last
week
and
I
also
welcome
simplification
of
the
of
the
systems
and
the
processes.
C
So
the
cabinet
secretary
has
made
promises
here
today
that
the
IT
problem
created
under
his
watch
is
now
partially
fixed.
Now,
with
that
in
mind,
will
he
now
get
on
with
the
job
of
thumbing
around
the
fortunes
of
Scottish
farming,
something
he
should
have
been
concentrating
on
all
these
years
that
the
carp
Fiasco
was
unfolding?
How
is
he
going
to
resolve
the
basic
unprofitability
of
Scottish
farming,
which
has
continued
to
washing
under
his
government.
B
We're
planning
off
so
first
of
all,
I
am
pleased
that
the
conservative
spokesman
welcomes
the
loan
scheme
and
I
believe
it
will
be
welcomed
across
the
farming
community.
I
think
it
is
a
pragmatic
and
practical
response
to
the
difficulties
that
we've
had
and
from
the
many
many
farmers
I've
met
as
I've
traveled
thousands
of
miles
around
the
country
over
the
past
year.
One
thing
I've
learned
is
that
farmers
are
pragmatic
and
practical
people
they
have
to
be
and
therefore
to
pay
90%
in
November
I
think
will
be
welcomed
as
a
practical
step
and
I
hope.
B
The
statement
about
the
undertaking
that
an
L
fast
loan
will
be
available
should
one
be
required.
We'll
also
provide
that
certainty
that
farmers
look
for.
I
am
aware,
of
course,
of
the
publication
of
the
information
about
levels
of
farm
debt.
I
understand
that
in
the
UK
from
the
information
that's
been
made
available
to
me,
presiding
officer,
that
there
are
two
sectors
of
the
economy
where
debt
has
risen,
where
banks
have
been
lending,
one
is
farming
and
the
other
is
utilities,
and
actually
the
situation
is
broadly
similar
across
the
whole
of
the
UK.
B
However,
from
the
figures
I
have
from
banks,
debt
levels
have
been
rising
since
1994,
namely
23
years
and
I,
do
understand
that
the
statistics
also
show
that
the
level
of
debt-
and
this
is
just
an
average
figure
as
a
total
in
the
sector-
is
equivalent
to
8
percent
of
the
capital
value
of
the
farms.
So
I
don't
think
it's
correct
to
conflate
the
issue
of
borrowings
with
financial
difficulties
but
and
I
meet
I
want
to
make
this
point
and
I'll
finish
on
on
this.
B
So
if
I,
if
I,
if
I
mean
that,
where
there
are
farmers
who
are
in
serious
financial
differ,
korte
I
have
instructed
the
are
Pete
offices
to
treat
cases
of
financial
hardship
very
sympathetically.
That's
very
important,
particularly
since
farmers
tend
to
be
very
proud
people
who
are
perhaps
not
prone
to
seeking
help
as
quickly
as
others
might
do.
That
help
is
available
in
extreme
cases
and
I'm
grateful
for
the
opportunity
to
make
that
clear.
A
today.
D
Thank
you
and
I
would
also
like
to
thank
the
cabinet
secretary
for
a
prior
sight
of
his
statement.
The
cabinet
secretary
said
that
sorting
out
this
shambles
was
his
top
priority
and
that
was
16
months
ago.
Yeah
he
appears
to
have
made.
No
headway
today
were
told.
The
Fiasco
is
going
as
ongoing
with
the
announcement
of
a
further
loan
scheme,
a
90%
loan,
there's
cold
comfort
to
somebody
who
hasn't
received
any
of
their
2015
payment
to
someone
who's
afraid
to
take
out
a
loan,
because
they're
unclear
as
to
what
their
entitlement
is.
B
B
We
haven't
respected
the
basic
payment
scheme
for
216
paid
over
99%
in
respect
of
the
alphas
payments
for
215
all,
but
312
have
been
paid
only
26
have
not
received
either
an
L
fast
lawn
and
to
provide
interim
financial
support.
Some
of
these
businesses
may
not
be
eligible
for
L
fast,
however,
a
16
appear
eligible
and
where
indeed
offered
an
L
fast
loan
previously,
but
declined
it
and
we're
in
the
process
of
contacting
those
businesses
to
discuss
their
precise
circumstances.
B
I
mentioned
these
figures
because
it
matters
greatly
to
me
that
we
help
people
who
haven't
received
either
a
loan
a
payment,
but
they
are
now
a
very,
very
small
minority,
presiding
officer.
Those
are
the
facts
and
I
hope.
At
some
stage.
The
opposition,
politicians
and
the
Labour
Party
will
recognize
that
these
are
the
facts
and
the
facts
are
that
we
are
performing.
The
system
is
fit
for
purpose.
We
have
a
plan.
B
E
You
presiding
officer
I
just
like
to
remind
chamber
that
I
am
the
PLO
for
the
cabinet
secretary
cabinet
secretary
I'm
delighted
to
hear
that
the
majority
of
farmers
in
my
area
should
be
expecting
to
access
almost
all
of
their
funding
from
November.
Bring
you
some
stability
to
what
is
an
uncertain
future.
Can
the
cabinet
secretary
expand
on
whether
or
not
they
are
Beauty
around
breaks
it
and
the
potential
threat
that
this
poses
to
Scotland's
farmers
and
rural
communities
has
helped
prompt
this
action
from
the
Scottish
Government.
B
Well,
we
have
announced
the
plan
today
and
announced
the
loan
scheme
and
potential
our
fast
one
scheme,
because
these
are
the
right
things
to
do
and
I
think
they
will
provide
a
degree
of
certainty
which
is
required,
especially
in
the
light
of
the
uncertainty
and
the
lack
of
clarity.
The
emma
harper
mentions,
after
all
presiding
officer.
We
are
only
18
months
away
from
the
proposed
brexit
day.
B
Farmers
plan
things
over
a
long
period
and
there
is
no
answer
or
confirmation
or
clarity
about
what
schemes
will
be
supported
by
the
UK
government
post
2019
such
as
elf,
ass
or
pillar
to
payments.
That
means
forestry.
It
means
leader
programs.
It
means
our
pit
programs,
it
means
environmental
programs.
All
of
these.
There
is
no
certainty,
no
information
whatsoever
about
any
of
these
schemes.
Post
19,
which
is
only
eighteen
months
away.
F
Officer
I'd
like
to
refer
members
to
my
register
of
interest
at
last
I,
can
welcome
some
suggestions
from
the
cabinet
secretary
too
late,
but
an
acceptance
of
fault
I
do
say
it
lacks
ambition,
with
95%
of
basic
payment
still
to
be
paid
by
the
EU
deadline
and
no
solution
to
the
original
problems.
As
this
is
the
cabinet
Secretary's
own
plan,
should
he
be
unable
to
meet
these
key
dates
and
times?
He
should
be
aware
that
Scotland
will
not
accept
the
simple
solution
of
him:
investing
more
money
and
taking
on
extra
staff
to
resolve
the
issue.
F
B
I've
never
shot
responsibility
in
any
way
whatsoever.
The
buck
stops
would
be
that
continues
to
be
the
case.
I
am
confident
that
we
will
meet
the
bps
95
percent
target
this
year.
Last
year
we
were
at
90
percent,
where
we
fell
short,
sadly,
which
was
a
frustrating
experience,
but
most
important.
The
impact
on
those
farmers
who
didn't
receive
their
full
payments
on
time
is
something
that
troubled
me
greatly.
So
I
accept
responsibility
as
a
yes
answer
from
mr.
Mountain
and
I'm
confident
that
this
year
we
will
deliver
the
main
target
of
95
percent.
Why?
B
Because
we
have
a
strengthened
management
team,
we
have,
who
have
now
been
Institute
and
in
place,
have
got
their
feet
underneath
the
can
have
worked
with
me
over
the
summer
months
to
produce
this
solid
plan.
We
have
strength
and
governance
in
place
and
we
have
had
collaborative
and
successful
dealings
with
CGI
and
I
have
also
seen
and
me
that
my
businesses
see
us
as
travel
around
shows
and
are
paid
offseason
forestry.
B
His
office
is
over
the
summer
that
the
staff,
too
are
appreciated
for
the
work
that
they've
done,
because
they
are
the
ones
at
the
sharp
end
at
the
front
end,
and
indeed
they
are
hugely
trusted
and
appreciated
by
the
farming
community.
So
the
buck
stops
with
me.
I
entirely
accept
responsibility.
Failure
is
not
an
option.
This
year,
presiding
officer,
I'm
entirely
confident
of
that.
G
B
I
am
aware
of
a
the
reports
of
the
scale
of
the
disallowance
expedience
in
England
into
1516
reported
as
230
million.
We
are
not
forecasting
disallowance
on
that
scale.
Here
in
Scotland,
as
previously
reported
to
Parliament
saying
officer,
we
have
estimated
late
payment
penalties
for
2015
at
around
5
million
and
for
216
at
around
500,000
to
700,000.
B
However,
it
will
be
some
time
before
final
totals
are
available
following
due
diligence
carried
out
at
EU
and
UK
level,
all
Member
States
carry
the
risk
of
wider
disallowance
in
Scotland
is
no
different,
but
I
can
inform
members
that,
over
the
past
10
years,
disallowances
amounted
to
around
1
percent
of
total
cap
expenditure,
which
is
broadly
within
tolerance
levels
and
compares
compares
reasonably
with
other
parts
of
the
UK.
My
job
is
to
get
on
with
the
work
in
Scotland,
and
that
is
what
I
am
focusing
on.
Jackie.
H
And
I
welcome
any
improvement
in
the
funding
streams,
so
we
can
ensure
that
farmers
and
crafters
get
their
payments
on
time.
But
can
I
push
the
cabinet
secretary
on
on
whether
a
risk
assessment
has
been
carried
out
in
relation
to
financial
penalty
from
the
European
Commission,
because
I
noticed
he
mentions
late
payments
in
2015
and
2016,
but
there
was
also
an
estimate
done
by
audit
Scotland
for
control
weaknesses,
and
that
was
estimated
at
as
much
as
60
million
pounds.
B
Well,
I
thank
Jackie
Baillie,
for
what
appears
now
to
be
a
welcome
of
the
loan
scheme.
Wrote
a
grant,
didn't
welcome
it,
but
Jackie
did,
or
at
least
that's
what
seemed
to
be
the
case,
but
maybe
maybe
there's
two
views,
but
so
far
as
the
Auditor
General's
figures
are
concerned
in
215,
the
reports
will
find
that
the
total
aggregate
penalties
and
disallowances,
if
I
recall
these
figures
correctly,
would
be
between
40
and
120
million.
B
I
You
and
can
I
thank
the
cabinet
secretary
for
advance
copy
of
the
statement
and
also
the
schedule
of
key
payment
dates
that
accompanied
it,
but
I
noticed
in
reading
that
schedule
that
the
environmental
cooperation
action
fund
will
remain
under
review,
as
has
been
for
the
last
two
years,
I
mean
given
to
use
the
cabinet
secretaries
on
words.
This
fund
is
a
practical
and
pragmatic
way
to
support
farmers
who
want
to
cooperate
with
each
other
on
vital
issues
such
as
flood
management.
B
The
rostral
makes
a
very
important
and
I
think
a
constructive
point
and
there,
where
other
issues
with
this
environmental
fund.
Of
course,
there
are
other
funds
such
as
Eakes,
which
have
been
operating
to
ensure
that
environmental
payments
are
made,
but
nonetheless,
I
will
look
into
this
matter
and
give
mr.
Roscoe
a
detailed
reply
very
shortly.
Indeed,
to
when
we
would
expect
the
that
particular
scheme,
which
mr.
Roscoe
says,
makes
a
very
important
contribution
to
alleviating
flooding
in
various
ways
and
other
schemes
too
and
I
will
write
to
her
about
that
as
quickly
as
possible.
B
B
What
we
have
ready
taken,
a
number
of
steps
by
involving
experts-
and
indeed
this
follows
a
parliamentary
debate
where
I
think
an
amendment
by
mr.
rumbles
was
accepted,
so
we're
ready
doing
what
he
asked
us
to
do
by
having
a
panel
of
of
advisers
or
National
Council,
which
I
will
be
meeting
later
this
month,
and
they
will
provide
advice
as
to
the
opportunities
and
that,
and
indeed
the
challenges
in
Scotland
I
engage
all
the
time
with
the
stakeholders
that
mister
rumbles
referred
to.
B
Of
course,
we
want
to
be
able
to
design
our
system
in
Scotland,
but
at
the
moment,
presiding
officer,
we've
not
actually
had
clarity
from
the
UK
government
that
there
will
not
be
a
power
grab
of
the
powers
that
rest
and
the
EU
by
agriculture
and
Fisheries.
We
have
no
clarity
about
that.
Nor
do
we
have,
as
I
have
already
said,
any
clarity
about
what
the
future
of
funding
will
be
for
pillar
two
and
certain
other
payments
post
2:19.
B
Nor
do
we
know
whether
the
UK
proposes
that
the
in
farm
support
that
they
have
promised
will
be
for
the
existing
schemes
or
on
some
other
basis.
Nor
do
we
know
what
the
budget
will
be,
despite
the
fact
the
budget
will
be
for
rural
payments,
despite
the
fact
that,
during
the
breaks
at
campaign,
several
senior
UK
government
ministers
promised
that
funding
would
be
at
least
matched.
So
once
we
get
some
clarity
from
the
UK
government
and
I'm
to
meet
mr.
B
K
You
officer,
this
added
certainty
for
farmers
and
crafters
is
most
welcome
and
I
wholeheartedly
agree
that
we
should
be
getting
this
money
into
the
pockets
of
our
farmers,
but
it
belongs
as
soon
as
possible
and
what
the
cabinet
secretary
stated.
Farmers
will
be
receiving
latest
by
the
end
of
September.
How
you
do
the
government
plan
on
advertising
this
to
farmers
across
Scotland
to
make
them
aware
of
this?
Welcome
news
and
ensure
the
Swift
return
of
the
necessary
to
be
sure
of
a
payment
in
November,
fair.
B
Thankfully,
a
Hokie
flag
question
the
letters
of
offer
are
being
issued
at
the
end
of
this
month.
Clear
Hoffy
is
quite
right
that
we
need
to
promote
this.
I
know
that
the
specialist
agricultural
press
will
do
that
very
effectively,
as
always
presiding
officer,
and
the
purpose
is
to
make
sure
that
all
farmers
and
crafters
are
fully
aware
that
this
money
is
for
them
now.
I
want
to
say
something
about
the
loan
scheme
as
well.
B
We
found
last
year
that
I
think
on
only
74%
of
the
basic
payment
offers
were
accepted,
so
you
may
ask
why
the
26%
not
accepted,
and
there
are
a
number
of
points
I
want
to
make
two
farmers.
Firstly,
there
is
no
interest
on
this
loan
unless,
in
the
unusual
and
very
rare
event
that
the
loan
exceeds
the
entitlement
and
even
then
there
is
no
interest
unless
the
recoupment
of
the
excess
over
the
entitlement
is
paid
after
30
days,
so
there's
no
interest
and
therefore
farmers
should
not
worry
about
buttoning
themselves
with
loan
interest.
B
Secondly,
this
money
is
for
farmers.
Some
farmers,
perhaps
because
of
altruism
or
moral
integrity,
feel
that
they
will
be
taking
money
away
from
the
NHS
or
schools
or
hospitals.
Not
so,
this
money
is
for
farmers
that
entitled
to
it
and
we
want
them
to
take
up
the
maximum
value
of
the
lawn.
So
I'm
grateful
to
clear
hockey
for
giving
me
an
opportunity
to
make
those
points
clear.
L
You
presiding
officer
and
can
I
also
thank
the
cabinet
section
for
the
advance
copy
of
his
statement
and
declare
an
interest
as
an
LFE
hill
farmer
and
while
I
welcome
the
cabinet
Secretary's
intention
to
start
the
2016
L
fast
payments
next
month
in
October.
He
will
be
well
aware
that
this
is
five
months
late
this
year
and
to
forestall
all
this
happening
next
year.
He
is
pre
announcing
next
year's
L
fast
loan
scheme
as
well
to
D.
For
me,
2018
all
of
these
loan
schemes
and
IT
uncertainty
had
cost
him
already.
B
Well,
I
believe
most
farmers
and
crafters
do
welcome.
The
loan
scheme
is
a
pragmatic
solution
to
a
problem
that
arises
as
problems
arise
in
life
and
I
am
sorry
that
we
have
not
been
able
to
pay
all
of
the
payments
on
time.
Of
course,
I
am
I
paid
that
absolutely
that
remains.
The
keys,
I've
never
tried
to
shark
or
get
away
from
that
in
any
way
a
whatsoever.
But
I
do
think
that
if
someone
receives
ninety
pounds
in
November
are
supposed
to
100
pounds
in
January
that
that's
a
pragmatic
solution.
B
It's
not
perfect,
but
it's
a
pragmatic
solution
and
what
I've
said
and
I've
committed
to
this
and
I'm
confident
it
will
happen
the
the
time
schedule
for
the
basic
payments.
The
time
schedule
is
that
ninety
five
ninety
five
point
four
percent
have
to
be
made
by
the
30th
of
June
next
year:
I'm,
confident
that
that
time
scale
will
be
met.
M
You
presiding
officer
by
not
making
the
online
single
application
for
demanded
today
and
offering
support,
including
one-to-one
assistance.
That's
all
significantly
displeasure
on
some
of
our
farmers
can
I.
Ask
the
cabinet
secretary
after
the
government
has
any
estimate
as
to
how
many
of
our
farmers
expects
to
heal
with
this
form
of
support,
flag.
B
We
did
make
significant
progress
last
year
in
the
number
of
applicants
of
the
as
the
staff,
the
basic
application
form,
submitting
them
online
and
I
think.
The
figure
now
is
termed
eight
percent
from
memory
presiding
officer
and
therefore
the
majority
are
using
online,
but
we
want
to
do
more
and
therefore
we
will
be
offering
digital
appointments,
in
other
words
a
one
to
one
session,
probably
in
an
RPD
office
where
they
have
confidential
office
facilities,
and
we
will
be
offering
that
to
those
who
require
or
wish
it.
B
We
will
also
be
holding
various
briefing
events
in
respect
of
other
aspects,
such
as
the
land
measurement
and
the
process
of
transferring
that
measurement
onto
digital
format,
which
is
an
extremely
complicated
process.
So
there
will
be
a
considerable
effort
as
improved
customer
service
on
helping
more
farmers
and
crafters
get
online
and
I
believe
that
that
process
will
see
a
greater
number
using
that
this
year.
A
N
You
very
much
presenting
officers
difficult
to
follow
that
aim
display
the
cabinet's
a
Christian
that
the
Scottish
government
has
taken
on
board
the
many
criticisms
and
comments
levelled
at
the
Scottish
Government's
IT
system.
It
seems
a
solution
being
proposed
today
as
simply
to
pour
more
money
into
an
existing
IT
system.
That's
so
far,
failed
kind
of
cabinet
akley
tell
us
exactly
how
much
more
money
will
be
spent
on
an
IT
system
that
has
lost
the
trust
of
farmers
and
crafters,
who
have
been
so
badly
went
down
very.
A
B
In
response
to
this
question,
I
would
say
that
we
have,
in
terms
of
the
capital
budget,
for
the
futures
program
completed
that
budget,
and
now
we
are
in
the
process
of
annual
maintenance
remediation,
which
is
part
of
the
normal
process
of
any
IT
system.
In
other
words,
there
are
always
costs
post
completion
of
the
original
capex
budget
for
any
IT
system.
B
We
have
been
over
this
on
the
REC
committee
several
times
the
budget
or
the
spends
in
total
this
year,
which
will
include
these
matters,
and
the
online
functions
is
10
million
pounds
and
I
believe
that
will
be
a
very
substantial
and
positive
investment
in
assisting
many
more
applicants
to
get
their
application
online.
That
will
have
benefits
some
benefits,
I
believe
for
them,
and
also
for
us
and
I
think
it
will
prove
to
be
a
good
investment
and,
of
course
it
will
be
an
investment
a
for
the
period
post,
219,
whatever
that
future
may
hold.
B
It
is
an
asset
for
Scotland.
The
digitalized
map,
showing
the
believer
55
thousand
landholdings
in
four
million
hectares
of
land
is
a
great
asset
that
can
be
used.
The
difficulty
at
the
moment
is
that
we've
got
no
idea.
What
the
UK
government
proposed
should
be
the
support
schemes
following
that,
if
indeed
they
are
proposing
such
schemes.
O
B
As
I've
made
clear,
this
government
believes
very
strongly
that
we
must
support
our
farmers
to
produce
high-quality
food
and
to
be
the
custodians
of
our
landscape
in
Scotland,
and
that
does
require
support.
Those
high
standards
of
production
must
be
maintained.
The
regulation
must
be
maintained
to
access
EU
markets
and
it
must
be
maintained
for
health
and
safety
reasons,
so
that
is,
in
short,
our
aim.
B
In
particular,
we
are
all
concerned
about
Hill
farmers
and
in
Kate
Forbes
constituency
in
places
like
flick,
harbour
a
that
will
be
the
preponderance,
and
we
are
particularly
concerned
that
they
should
continue
to
be
financial
support
for
Hill
farmers.
I
have
held
two
summits,
one
in
Lanark
and
one
in
Dingwall,
where
I've
met
and
listened
very
carefully
to
what
they
have
to
say.
The
are
what
it
is,
not
political.
B
They
are
worried
because
they
don't
really
know
what
the
future
will
hold
and
that's
why
I
pressed
Michael
golf
at
the
short
meeting
that
I
had
with
them
at
the
raw
Hallam
sure
to
provide,
as
soon
as
possible
confirmation
that
the
UK
government
will
continue
to
accept
that
payments
such
as
alpha
play
an
essential
part
of
the
support
system
of
farming
and
indeed
the
countryside
in
Scotland.
As
we
know
it.
P
My
colleagues
and
welcoming
any
assistance
to
spring
stability
to
the
riddle
sector.
However,
it's
also
clear
on
the
2d
statement.
As
a
in
an
early
admission
of
the
challenges
and
the
failures
the
Scottish
government
are
facing
for
the
third
year
in
a
row
with
his
disastrous
car
payment
system.
The
questions
been
asked
before,
but
could
the
cabinet
secretary
please
inform
Parliament
how
much
the
additional
improvements
of
the
IT
system
will
cost
and
when
payments
will
accurately
be
paid
and
on
time
removing
the
need
for
all
this
mitigation
and
loan
systems.
B
As
I've
said
in
response
to
this
question,
the
budget
for
the
procurement
of
the
futures
IT
program
has
been
completed
and,
as
I've
also
mentioned
in
a
previous
answer,
the
commit
commitment
is
to
spend
10
million
pounds
this
year.
I
will
just
double-check
that
and
the
record
and
come
back
to
mr.
Carson,
if
I've
oversimplified
things,
because
putting
so
many
statistics,
sometimes
it's
possible
to
err,
but
I
will
double-check
that.
But
that
is
my
understanding,
and
that
is
a
good
investment
that
needs
to
be
made.
B
We
are,
of
course,
seeing
considerable
progress
made
in
the
operation
of
the
I.t.
I.T
fixes
have
been
made
with
more
rapidity,
and
the
number
of
problems
which
have
arisen
in
respect
of
the
IT
processes
have
substantially
reduced
and
that's
why
I've
expressed
confidence
mr.
Carson,
in
achieving
the
aims
which
we
all
want
to
see
realized
the.
Q
You
presiding
officer
in
his
answer
to
Jackie
Baillie,
the
cabinet
secretary,
referred
to
the
audit
Scotland
reports
and
the
very
high
figures
that
they
had
suggested
for
disallowance
and
penalties.
Can
you
give
any
explanation
as
to
why
audit
Scotland
came
out
with
such
so
much
higher
figures
than
we
actually
have
seen
in
practice?
Fair.