Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan has welcomed todays’ announcement from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, Fergus Ewing MSP, of plans to stabilise and improve the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payment process.

The plan will include measures such as providing a clear payment schedule for schemes to help crofters and farmers plan ahead, launching a loan scheme for those eligible for 2017 Basic Payment Scheme, operating a reliable IT platform that meets expectations and setting out customer service standards and more effective communication processes.

Alasdair Allan MSP commented:

“Everyone, including the Government, acknowledges that there were unacceptable delays in CAP payments over the last two years. I am pleased to hear the Cabinet Secretary’s commitment to tackle the causes of poor customer service and provide a more certain timetable for future payments. I believe today’s announcement will go a long way to ensuring the last of the late payments are made and that better arrangements are place for the future.

“This is an issue I have taken up with the Government on behalf of many individual crofters and I would urge anyone who has had issues to contact me on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”