Call for more SAF support in final few days

With the extended application window to Scotland’s main CAP scheme due to close in 12 days, a Scottish Parliament committee has taken evidence on the problems encountered with the online application process.

At Holyrood today (3 June), members of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee (RACCE) heard from a number of farmers and crofters on the difficulties faced when attempting to complete their Single Application Form (SAF) electronically.

Witnesses who gave evidence this morning jointly agreed to provide a written supplementary letter to the committee with suggestions on what might ease the burden ahead of the SAF application deadline on 15 June.

Almost 12,000 SAF forms have already been completed – out of an expected total closer to 20,000 - and NFUS has been reminding those not yet engaged in completing their SAF to get cracking.  Improvements to the online system continue to be made and Scottish Government has stated that any claimants needing help with their SAF, or who encounter any issues, can contact their local RPID area office for support where blank paper forms are available on request. Importantly, where necessary, local offices can now provide pre-populated paper forms as well.

Speaking after the session, Aberdeenshire farmer Charlie Adam, who chairs NFU Scotland’s Livestock Committee said: “The session was constructive and in agreeing to write to the Scottish Government, the RACCE committee has clearly taken on board the multiple issues that applicants have encountered with the new online rural payments and services system.

“It was made clear that there have been huge flaws in the system but also recognition that the efforts put in by officials mean that the system is improving.

“However, there is now a very limited window of time in which to solve all of the issues applicants have encountered and ensure that any failings in the system do not unduly penalise any farmers and crofters.

"Today's witnesses were unanimous that measures and resources should be put in place that will ease the burden on the remaining 8000 applicants as they chase the 15 June deadline.

“Recommendations include providing a 24 hour helpline for applicants; ensuring consistency of advice being given by all Scottish Government area offices; producing improved guidance on the process and a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

“Given the shortcomings of the system, situations mustn’t arise where farmers or crofters are penalised for applications containing mistakes that arise through no fault of their own or as a consequence of errors within the system.

“Given the new SAF deadline also overlaps with applications to very important rural development schemes, the witnesses also would welcome an extension to the SRDP deadline, particularly for the agri-environment and climate change measures.”  

Notes to Editors

• A report on the evidence session and those who took part can be found at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S4_RuralAffairsClimateChangeandEnvironmentCommittee/General%20Documents/Minutes_3_June_2015.pdf

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006