Action for farmers awaiting flood fund decisions

Hundreds of farmers yet to receive confirmation that their applications for a share of emergency flooding funds have been processed will now be contacted, after weeks of discussions with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

In response to concerns raised by the NFU, the RPA will contact all applicants to the Farming Recovery Fund in the coming days to update them on their application.

The move follows weeks of delay by the RPA in processing claims under the emergency fund launched in the aftermath of the Boxing Day floods.

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Without a decision farmers have been unable to proceed with repairs and reinstatement work.

The letter due to be sent out to farmers will outline the actions that applicants should take if they need to proceed ahead of a decision being made on their application.

James Copeland, regional environment adviser at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), said: “I’m glad to hear that following national talks, the RPA is now writing to those affected by the floods to let them know exactly when their application will be dealt with. This is vital to enable members to get on with their recovery work after considerable delays.”

The NFU said it will continue to work closely with the RPA to produce more guidance on the evidence required before, during and after recovery works to ensure farmers claims are paid in full.

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Anyone who has submitted an application, but does not receive an email or letter within the next few weeks should contact the RPA on 03000 200 301.

Farmers using an agent to draw up the application should liaise with them to make sure a letter from the RPA arrives, the NFU said.