Call to sort out payments scheme 'shambles'

A DELAY in processing claims under the Rural Priorities Scheme has resulted in Liam McArthur MSP calling on the Scottish Government to sort out the "shambles".

In an answer to a parliamentary question from McArthur, the Scottish Government said 53 per cent of recurrent claims are currently delayed. These have an estimated value of 4.61 million.

In addition, 8.5 per cent of capital claims are delayed, involving an estimated 4.5m.

McArthur said he had raised the issue after receiving complaints from constituents about the effects the payment delays were having on their cash flows.

He said: "I have received many reports about delayed payments, but these figures confirm the true extent of the government shambles in processing claims.

"The government blame 'computer-generated errors' for the delays. Ministers have also tried to pass blame on to applicants. This simply will not wash."

Changing criteria, fluctuating thresholds and delays in accepting applications and making payments have all bedevilled the Scottish Government's payment scheme in recent times.

He added: "Ministers must get a grip, stop making excuses and get monies paid out on time."

A Scottish Government spokesman said systems were being introduced to speed up processing annual recurrent payments, and there were no delays with valid 2010 claims.

He added: "The delayed payments under Rural Priority include cases where claimants have changed their approved schedule of work, amended the original contract, lack required supporting documents or differences between the claim and site have been identified after inspection. Such claims are not valid.

"The Scottish Government aims to pay all annual recurrent claims by 31 August 2010."