The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Sturgeon accused of complacency
The First Minister has been accused of being complacent as Scotland’s farmers face “another year of chaos” over subsidies.
Conservative Peter Chapman called on Nicola Sturgeon to take responsibility for the “catastrophe” in the IT system set up to distribute the Scottish Government’s Common Agricultural Payment (CAP).
Scotland’s £178 million system, which closed at the end of March, has been beset by delays and increasing costs, with some payments from 2015 still outstanding last month.
Mr Chapman said: “I’m shocked by how complacent the First Minster is here because let me be clear, farming communities are not so relaxed about this issue as she is.
“This IT system has already created the worst farming cash crisis in a generation. Now we learn there is still no back-up system.
“Should this IT system fail there is the possibility of £60 million in EU fines for non-compliance and yet more money is needed to get the system working.
“Farmers across Scotland are still waiting for 2015 and 2016 payments and worst of all we face another year of this chaos until this system is fully compliant.”
His comments at First Minister’s Questions followed a new report from Audit Scotland which warned ministers of the “significant risks and costs” the IT system still poses, including the chance of a European Commission fine of up to £60m if it fails to meet regulations such as paying within set timescales.
Ms Sturgeon said she takes responsibility, adding there is “not a shred of complacency” in the Scottish Government on the CAP system.
She said the £60m figure for fines is “entirely speculative” and the financial ceiling for delivering a compliant CAP system is being held to.
She said 99% of payments for 2015 have been made and the Government is working through the 2016 payments.
The report recognised progress, she added, but there is still more to be done.
She said: “We will continue to give this our absolute and full focus and attention to make sure farmers get the service they deserve.”