Questions need to be asked about Countryside Management Scheme

Unionist party MLA Tom Elliott has said that some questions need to be asked about the Countryside management after a number of constituents contacted him with concerns about rates of grant paid out. Their problem with the scheme revolves around payments which, while staying the same for farmers who have used the scheme before, have increased for new members of the scheme.

Mr Elliott explained: "It has been brought to my attention that farmers who are signing up for a second five years of the Countryside Management Scheme are being offered the same rate of grant. For example, double fencing with new/restored hedge remains at £10 per metre. However, costs of wire, posts, tractor fuel have all risen to push Contractor charges above the available rate. This can even be the case when a farmer plants a hedge themselves, as many often do."

"On the flip side, those farmers who are signing up for the new scheme are being offered much higher rates for grants which take into account the increase in running costs. While I have nothing against the farmers who are getting the higher amounts, we do want to see equality across the board. It can't be right for some farmers to get more money simply because they applied after others who face the same challenges day in day out in relation to costs."

"By way of resolving this issue, I believe that the inclusion of an annual review of inflation costs, upon which rates of grant would be set, would allow for equality among the farmers who apply for the scheme. For example, the review could take place every two years with any rise of fall in inflation accounted for, meaning that grants could be altered as necessary."

"I believe that this would be a very efficient way to tackle an issue that is causing tension among members of the agricultural community. It is vital that the problem is addressed and sorted out as quickly as possible."