NEWS LETTER

2008 Single Payment Scheme Claims – Out Now

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has started to send out application forms for the 2008 claim year. Farmers who have not received a form by the end of March should call RPA’s Customer Service Centre – 0845 603 7777.

The deadline for submission of applications remains May 15th but, as is their way, the RPA has made changes to the 2008 form and supporting guidance notes. In addition to field transfers and replacement of the 10 month period, other changes include the method of activating entitlements in 2008 and rules relating to the 0% set-aside.

For the unwary there are still many traps, particularly regarding set-aside, which can result in deductions or penalties from your Single Payment, and early advice is recommended. Contact a member of the Agricultural Team on 01285 648 107.

Energy Premium – Still Worth Applying ?

Many claimants were disappointed at the level of scaleback which was applied to the Energy Premium Scheme last year, a move which was compounded by the fixed terms of the merchant/processors contracts. The problem arose due to the massive increase in area claimed across the EU, and as the level of overall aid is capped, claims are therefore diluted on a per ha. basis.

Will this year be different? We believe it will. Although the scaleback is likely to be applied again on an EU basis, OSR acreage is estimated at 8% lower than last year and most merchants have amended their contract terms to provide a fairer share of proceeds. A large number of producers will not repeat their claims and certainly if the premium is reduced to around £ 6-8/acre, it is questionable whether growers with relatively small acreages of OSR will apply.

However, if you have more than 100 acres of OSR it will certainly be worth considering and if so, do not delay in returning contracts to merchants, to enable the completed contract to be submitted with your SPS form. Contact a member of the Agricultural Team for further advice.

Local Authority Planning – Future Housing Requirements

As reported in the January Agricultural Update, Cotswold District Council (in common with all other Planning Authorities) is in the process of developing its next generation of Local Plan (known as a Local Development Framework [LDF]). This will cover the period up to 2026. As part of this process, the Council is currently carrying out a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) to identify suitable sites which could be allocated for housing development within the new LDF.

Cotswold District Council has now published its SHLAA Proposed Methodology document (this can be viewed on the Council’s website at www.cotswold.gov.uk). This gives further information about the SHLAA process itself and also the criteria against which potential sites will be assessed.

The SHLAA is designed to build up a database of potential housing sites with an indication of the number and type of housing that each could accommodate and the likely timescale in which they are developable. Factors that will be considered include (and this list is not exhaustive) the current use of the site, flood risk, statutory designations (including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Conservation Areas etc.), existing development boundaries, water and electricity supplies, accessibility to transport, services, jobs, schools etc., any existing planning consents on the site, any ownership issues, the timescale in which a site could be developed and what the environment of the site would be like for future residents etc.

The Council has indicated that it intends to complete the SHLAA by the end of October 2008 and it will then be updated annually. Broadly, the SHLAA will initially consider existing sites with consent for housing, followed by potential sites in Cirencester, Bourton-on-the Water, Moreton-in-Marsh and Tetbury (which are identified as the ‘most sustainable Principal Settlements in the District’). It will then move on to Chipping Campden, Fairford, Lechlade-on-Thames, Northleach, South Cerney and Stow-on-the Wold (which are the other ‘Principal Settlements’) before considering sites in what are identified as the ‘Remaining Larger Settlements With a Reasonable Level of Existing Services and Facilities’). These are Andoversford, Avening, Birdlip, Blockley, Down Ampney, Kemble, Kempsford, Mickleton, Siddington and Willersey. Finally, sites in and around the other settlements in the District will be considered.

It is important to note that although a site may successfully meet all the criteria used in the SHLAA this does not necessarily mean that it will be designated as a housing site in the LDF as sites that are successful in the SHLAA will then be subject to further assessments based on planning policy considerations.

The Council is asking anyone who wishes to comment on its SHLAA Proposed Methodology to do so by March 7th 2008. If you would like further information on the SHLAA, please contact Katharine Foot on 01285 648 107.

Illegal Working Fines Introduced from March 1st

New measures to deal with illegal immigrants working in the UK will come into force on March 1st. The measures, contained in the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, include:

1. A fine of up to £ 10,000 per illegal worker for employers who employ illegal immigrant workers;
2. A maximum of 2 years imprisonment and/or unlimited fine for employers who knowingly employ illegal migrant workers.

Employers will also have a responsibility to check the ongoing entitlement of migrant workers who have a time limited visa (such as a working holiday visa) to ensure that their employee’s immigration status remains valid.

These new measures will not notably alter an employer’s responsibility. Employers are already required to check their prospective employee’s rights to work in the UK.

Statutory Sick, Maternity/Paternity & Adoption Pay Rises

Statutory sick pay will rise from the start of the new financial year (April 6th) to £ 75.40 per week. Statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay will also increase to £ 117.18 per week. For further information regarding our payroll and farm accounts service contact Margaret Bush of our Agricultural Team on 01285 648 114.

2008 Grasskeep

Do you have any summer grazing / mowing grass available? We have several clients on our books looking for fields suitable for mowing and / or grazing, throughout the region. If you have suitable grassland available, or if you require advice on arranging a grazing agreement then contact the Agricultural team on 01285 648 107.

Entitlement Trading – 2008 Trading Period ends March 28th

Time is running out if you are considering buying or selling Single Payment Entitlements for the 2008 scheme year. The RPA requires six weeks to complete the transfer and so the latest submission date for 2008 is effectively March 28th.

You should allow at least two weeks for the transfer form to arrive and so those considering buying additional entitlements should take action now. We currently have several blocks of various value ‘Normal’ Entitlements available so call the Moore Allen & Innocent Agricultural Team on 01285 648 107 for the latest news, prices and advice.

The VWH Hunt Point to Point
supported by Moore Allen  & Innocent
will be held at
Siddington, Cirencester
on
March 15th 2008 - First race 1.30 pm

For clear, objective and professional advice on these or any other agricultural and rural estate issues please contact one of our Agricultural Team:

Robert Young ~ Mark Hill ~ Christopher Graham ~ Paul Oughton ~ Brian Smith
Peter Kirby ~ Stuart Milsom ~ Margaret Bush ~ Bethany Morris

Tel. 01285 648 113                                                             Fax. 01285 640 494    

This newsletter is produced for guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly no liability or responsibility for any loss or damage can be accepted by Moore Allen & Innocent or other contributors as a result of any person, company or other organisation acting or refraining from acting upon comment on this newsletter.

• Farm & Estate Management • Sales & Purchases of Rural Properties • Valuations • Estate Planning •
• Landlord & Tenant • Farming Agreements • Auctions • Compensation & Compulsory Purchase •
• Farm Buildings • Expert Witness • Planning & Development • Grants & Quotas • Agri-Environment •
• Woodland • Digital Mapping • Diversification • Employment • Payroll & Accounts •

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