11 Simplification
223. Simplification and reducing the administrative
cost of the CAP was a shared aim among witnesses,[383]
in particular, Defra.[384]
The Communication also gives simplification as one of the Commission's
objectives.[385] A
clear policy with clear objectives and relatively simple instruments
is vital to achieving this aim. Implementation of the CAP is a
major expense, particularly in England where in 2008-09 administering
each Single Farm Payment was estimated to cost over £1,700,
compared to less than £300 in Scotland.[386]
Moreover, according to Defra, the cost in England alone of responding
to EU audits of the CAP is over £1.6m per year.[387]
The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers noted "the
government's negotiating position should take into account the
Rural Payments Agency's ability to implement any changes".[388]
224. We support the aim of simplifying
the CAP and recommend that Defra robustly resist the imposition
of policies that would create undue bureaucracy and burden for
farmers or the government payment agencies. We are particularly
concerned that the Commission's proposals for a multi-tiered single
farm payment will necessitate expensive new computer and control
systems. We encourage Defra to negotiate a simpler payment scheme
that can be adapted to the existing instruments.
225. However, we note that much of the additional
complexity and 'red-tape' is added at national level. We await
with interest the conclusions of the Red Tape Task Force, expected
in May 2011. We have a strong interest in ensuring farmers are
not unduly burdened with regulation, nor tax-payers with implementation
costs, and intend to revisit the issue of implementation of the
CAP in future.
383 Among others, the RSPB (Ev 106), the NFU
(Ev119), the Farmers Union of Wales (Ev w47), National Assembly
for Wales Rural Development Sub-Committee (Ev w22), the Department
of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland Assembly
(Ev w29), the Scottish Government (Ev w39). The Pack inquiry into
Future Support for Agriculture in Scotland also makes several
recommendations regarding simplification (p 91-92). Back
384
Ev 171, Ev 173 Back
385
The CAP towards 2020, p 7. Back
386
National Audit Office, A Second Progress Update on the Administration
of the Single Payment Scheme by the Rural Payments Agency,
October 2009. According to Defra, the cost of administering an
SPS claim in England will fall to £850 per claimant in 2010-11(Ev
176). Back
387
Ev 173 Back
388
Ev w38 Back
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