LIB DEMS EXPOSE 50% CUT TO FWAG BUDGET (Jim Hume)

LIB DEMS EXPOSE 50% CUT TO FWAG BUDGET

February 17, 2009 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, has demanded the Scottish Government explain why it has slashed the budget of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group by 50%.

In a letter to the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Hume expresses his anger at repeated changes and cuts to FWAG's funding in this financial year.

Liberal Democrats revealed in January 2009 that FWAG's 2008/9 budget had been cut by 30%, seven months into the financial year. The Scottish Government gave no explanation for such a cut. Mr Hume now understands that FWAG has only received £160,000 of the original £340,000 budget. FWAG has been informed by the Scottish Government that further payments will not be made, leaving a budget shortfall of over 50%.

Commenting Mr Hume said:

"The Scottish Government must explain to the farming community why FWAG has once again had its budget slashed. To withhold over half of the original budget is unscrupulous behaviour and totally undermines the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting our rural communities.

"FWAG represents a viable and value for money organisation that has a proven track record of ensuring that land managers play their part in protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

"These cuts put the future viability of FWAG at risk and jeopardise successful delivery of the SRDP. The Scottish Government must explain this unforgivable failure."

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Full text of Mr Hume's letter to Richard Lochhead MSP and Roseanna Cunningham MSP:

Dear Cabinet Secretary and Minister

Re: FWAG

There has been growing concern amongst FWAG Scotland that changes to funding has created the apparent crisis facing the organisation. You will recall my original email, a copy of which I have enclosed for ease.

You will doubtless understand and be aware of FWAG's huge importance to rural Scotland, and how it is key to ensure that land managers play their part in protecting and enhancing the natural environment and its biodiversity, which you referred to at the launch of FWAG Scotland last April. The loss of expertise would be damaging in terms of delivery of the SRDP from renewable energy projects right across the agri environmental board. The loss of FWAG would see many years of agri environmental work jeopardised if land managers do not take the option to tackle the SRDP application process themselves. There is also concern that SAC for example may not have the manpower or spare capacity to deal with FWAG's workload and as such delivery of the SRDP is at risk. There is also concern about the lack of competition - in the current situation, FWAG's presence allows some choice for those wishing to employ the services of a consultant to progress their SRDP application. FWAG also provides expert environmental advice.

FWAG represents a viable and value for money organisation which has a successful proven track record in the delivery of the SRDP. Without it, many fear that delivery of the SRDP will be jeopardised.

I believe the original commitment to the organisation last year was £340,000. As I understand it, only £160,000 (approximately) has been drawn down and following conversations with Mike Russell and FWAG on Friday, that the further £180,000 due would not be available to FWAG Scotland. It seems that a very modest sum of money would secure the future of the organisation, its staff and expertise and would be a small and worth while investment in the future delivery of the SRDP.

I therefore urge you that the remaining £180,000 should be made available to FWAG Scotland as a matter of urgency, as per original agreement.

Best wishes

Jim Hume MSP

A liberal voice for the South of Scotland