Ewing calls for funding pledge

SUPPORT: Claim divergence of statements from Westminster is causing confusion

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has called on the UK Government for a “clear and comprehensive guarantee” on the extent of its assurances relating to European funding for farming and rural development.

In a letter to Defra Secretary Michael Gove, Mr Ewing says the divergence of statements from Westminster is causing confusion for Scottish businesses.

He calls for written confirmation of the assurance given by Mr Gove that the UK Government guarantee to replace “lost EU funding” to the end of this UK Parliament covers CAP direct Pillar 1 support and rural development Pillar 2 support in their entirety.

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This continued lack of clarity from UK Government isalready causing real problems for Scottish businesses. FERGUS EWING

His letter reads: “You suggested that the guarantee would include all nonfarm elements under Pillar 2. However, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury’s letter of September 18 to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Derek Mackay, discusses farm support only, with no mention of the non-farming elements.

“You can appreciate this divergence is creating unhelpful confusion, and why it is vital that we have a clear and comprehensive written statement on the extent of funding guarantees from the relevant policy secretary.”

Mr Ewing’s letter also calls for clarity on what the funding guarantees will cover in terms of their financial parameters, and for funding for multiannual agreements to be guaranteed beyond 2022.

“This continued lack of clarity from UK Government is already causing real problems for Scottish businesses in their efforts to plan their investments,” Mr Ewing added in his letter.

“It is therefore vital that Scottish businesses receive clarity on all aspects of rural funding – which includes forestry, farming, environment and communities.”