Recommendation 6
The RPA is being asked to deliver a new and complicated
Single Payment Scheme against a tight deadline. It is an administrative
process which will initially bring with it all of the problems
of introducing a historic scheme whilst at the same time having
to manage the transition to an area-based payment. We recommend
that Ministers pay close attention to the steps taken by the Agency
up to 1 January 2005 to ensure that all necessary systems are
in place on time, and report to us by 1 October 2004 about the
progress made. We also recommend that if additional resources
are required by the RPA to deliver the new Scheme that Ministers
commit themselves to providing those without hesitation. (Paragraph
24)
The Government recognises that the timetable is an
ambitious one. This is why Defra and RPA have a joint 'policy
to delivery' implementation programme which reports to the Permanent
Secretary and to Ministers. This is a significant programme for
the Department and every effort is being made to ensure that we
deliver the new arrangements in time for the 2005 scheme year.
A considerable amount of work has already been done on policy
and operational development.
The Government recognises the Committee's concern
about the ability of new systems to be delivered on time to implement
the new scheme and notes its request for a report by 1 October.
We will endeavour to send the Committee a progress report as soon
as possible during the Autumn.
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