Responses urged on Sepa’s water charge proposals

Proposed increases in the cost of water abstraction licences – of up to 600 per cent–were condemned asentirely unjustifiable at a meeting which saw a “robust discussion” on the plans earlier this week.

Speaking after a meeting with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency ( Sepa), NFU Scotland said it was totally opposed to the“massive increases” being proposed.

With a consultation on the planned changes running until 3 November, the union said any farmer unhappy with the pro - posa ls should respond through the official channels – and share these with the union.

The union’s deputy director of policy, Andrew Bauer, said that following the full and frank exchange of views, Se pa appeared to have take non board the feedback which had been provided, adding that agreement that aspects of the proposals needed reworked had followed.

He said: “I am heartened that Sepa appears to now understand the legitimate concerns that we and our members have about the proposals.”

He said the union and its members were aware the water environment had to be protected and that water was a valuable asset, but added: “NFU Scotland believes that the best way to protect the environment is to work with farmers rather than impose counter- productive charges and regulations.

“In recent years Sepa has seemed to share that view and I hope that this unfortunate episode is simply a mis- step on its part.”

Martin Marsden, head of environmental quality with Sepa, said the meeting had formed an important part of an ongoing engagement with key stakeholdersto discuss proposals for his organisation’s new charging scheme.

He said: “The workshop allowed us to discuss each of the proposals within the current consultation and thepotential impact on land managers, particularly around increased water abstractions costs for irrigation.

“It was a very constructive session and allowed for a greater understanding by both parties as to the pressures faced by NFU Scotland members and the necessity of cost recover y by Sepa.”

Also encouraging farmers to respond to the consultation he said that feedback would help to ensure that Sepa delivered a “fair and proportionate” method for allocating charges.

He said :“The consultation remainsopen until 3 November. Following this, all responses will be thoroughly considered prior to final proposals being submittedfor consideration by Se pa board and then Scottish ministers.”