Scottish Government criticised over LFASS ‘shambles’

The Scottish Government has been accused of creating a “shambles” in the farming sector over Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) payments.

Earlier this year the government was forced to launch a £50 million loan scheme to administer LFASS payments for 2016.

It follows a similar scheme for 2015 LFASS money and other schemes for direct support payments – all launched as a result of problems with the government’s new farm payments IT system.

NFU Scotland’s regional manager for the north east, Lorna Paterson, says she has been inundated with calls from farmers asking for advice on the LFASS loan scheme.

According to Ms Paterson, many farmers in the north of Scotland were not included in the first round of loan offer letters, which had to be accepted and returned by yesterday.

She said they were now left with mounting bills, which would traditionally have been paid when LFASS monies arrived, and no clarity on if or when they will be offered money through the loan scheme.

“We are told there is going to be another round of loans but we don’t know when that will be,” said Ms Paterson.

“These farmers are expecting this money; they normally get the LFASS in March. “It’s a shambles. “They are all asking how are they meant to pay their bills.”

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said more than 10,6000 offer letters for the LFASS loan scheme had been issued.

He added: “I anticipate that further letters will issue early next week as we continue to work through the more complex cases.”