Government administration of Single Payment Scheme a "misuse of taxpayers money" - Farron

The Rural Payments Agency and DEFRA have shown scant regard to protecting public money in their administration and management of the EU's Single Payment Scheme in England, according to the National Audit Office.

Commenting on today's NAO report into the administration of the Single Payment Scheme by the Rural Payments Agency, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson, Tim Farron MP said:

"This report is a damning indictment of the Government's misuse of taxpayers' money.

"Administration costs have spiralled so that we are in the ridiculous situation where the average cost per claim has shot up to £1,743, even though claims can be as low as 70p.

"It is high time the Government listened to the advice of the NAO and followed through on an alternative payment system.

"This needs to include a minimum payment figure of around £300 so that the smallest claims are filtered out and farmers get their payments efficiently, effectively and on time."