Ignore letters at your peril

Farmers were yesterday warned not to ignore official bills or calls for information regarding sporting and shooting rates on their land. NFU Scotland has advised producers to respond promptly to communications from the rating authorities in order to avoid demands for payments escalating – and the possibility of debt recovery action.

And although the union remains opposed to sporting rates, it has been working with assessors to look at some of the technical issues which have arisen since demands were issued.

Union legal specialist Gemma Cooper said that it was becoming apparent that some farmers had not yet responded to their bills – often because the shooting rights for their land were the responsibility of others:

“There are a number of scenarios where recipients of sporting rates bills may not be the responsible party. For example, where sporting rights are retained by a landlord, or where they are let to a third

0 Shooting on farms can lead to rates demands party,” said Cooper. “We have become aware that there are some farmers and crofters who are in this situation. We urge them to respond to demands for sporting rates by immediately informing their Local Authority that they are not the responsible party.”

She said that ignoring sporting rates bills was likely to lead to an escalation of letters and, ultimately, the potential for debt collection action being taken by the local authority.

“We urge all of our members to ensure that the relevant paperwork is dealt with timeously, and members inform local authority and assessors of any incorrect information relating to their rates demand,” she added.

She said farmers should take the issue seriously even if there was an obvious error – such as duplicate bills being issued or bills wrongly directed.

“For those members who wish to appeal, they are reminded that this must be carried out within six months of receipt, and that submitting an appeal does not negate the requirement for payment in the first instance.”

Cooper said that the union had been in contact with Scottish Government ministers to highlight some of the issues which had come to light and had asked for a review of the regulations.