Aid for Cumbrian farmers
Grant aid is available for Cumbrian farmers to help them clear land of debris and stone left behind after the recent floods. Further information is available on the DEFRA website.
News
RPA meets first formal target for SPS 2009 payments
The RPA has met its first formal target for the issue of SPS 2009 payments having made 75% of full payments by value. This first formal target was due to be met by the end of January. The next formal target to be met is 90% of full payments by value by the end of March. Further information is available on the RPA website.
Calling all Mediators!
We are compiling a list of CAAV members who act as Mediators in order to assist other members in need of this service. Members who would like their details included should contact Kate Russell at kate@caav.org.uk.
Pre-Budget Report - headlines
VAT to return to 17.5% at 01/01/10 SDLT holiday ends 31/12/09 Empty rates relief to continue National Insurance contributions to rise by 0.5% IHT personal allowance threshold frozen at £325,000 50p per month levy on landlines to pay for improved broadband access. As we receive the detailed papers we will post further information on the website.
SPS 2009 payments RPA update
The RPA has issued a 2009 SPS payments update which states that 81% of SPS claimants in England should have received full payments to date following the opening of the payment window on 1st December 2009. Further information is available on the RPA website.
EU approves 300 million euro package for dairy farmers
The EU has approved an emergency aid package for dairy farmers worth 300 million euros. The UK's share of the total is 29.26 million euros which is to be allocated to individual farmers by the end of June 2010. DEFRA has until the end of February to decide the objective criteria it will use to distribute the funds. Further information will be posted as soon as it is available.
Natural England confirms new chairman
Poul Christensen has been confirmed as the new Chairman of Natural England. For further details, see the Natural England website.
2009 CAAV exams success
The CAAV's professional exams of 2009 have seen 62 qualify to apply for Fellowship. This is 11 more than the previous highest figure of 51 in 2006 and 21 up on last year. A further 35 succeeded in passing part of the examinations with another part to sit in future. The results were posted to candidates on 1st December.
EU authorises State Aid to French farmers
The EU has authorised the payment of direct grants, subsidised loans and interest rate subsidies worth up to 15,000 euros to French farmers affected by the current economic crisis. For further information, see the Europa press release.
Wales makes SPS 2009 payments to more than 80 per cent of farmers
The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has made SPS 2009 payments to 82.5 per cent of Welsh farmers on 1st December when the SPS 2009 payment window opened. Please see the WAG website for further information.
Wales confirms applications for Young Entrants Support Scheme to open on 4th January
The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has confirmed the application window for the Young Entrants Support Scheme 2010/11 will open on 4th January 2010 and close on 28th February. Further information is available on the WAG website.
RPA commences SPS 2009 payments
With the opening of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) 2009 payment window on 1st December, the RPA has commenced making payments.
Cross compliance suspended in Cumbria for flood damage
DEFRA has announced that the cross compliance standards relating to waterlogged soils are suspended in Cumbria to allow clean up and repair operations to take place. Farmers are advised to record any damage to waterlogged soils and note the necessary remedial action on their Soil Protection Review.
HMRC helpline for those affected by floods
HMRC has opened a helpline for those affected by floods who may have lost records or need assistance with making payments. The number is 0845 3000 157 and further information is available from the HMRC website.
HMRC - company car fuel rates
HMRC has published the new advisory fuel rates for company cars, which take effect from 1st December. The rates can be found on the HMRC website.
RPA Workington office re-opens
Following the flooding experienced in Cumbria, the RPA Workington office has re-opened today. Please see the RPA website for further information.
RPA Workington closed due to flooding and reduced BCMS service in place
Due to the recent flooding in Cumbria, the RPA office at Workington is closed today (23rd November). An extremely limited telephone service is in place. There is also a reduced service for BCMS. Further information is available on the RPA website.
CAAV Centenary Young Valuers' Conference - Early Bird delegate rate closes 25th November
The CAAV Centenary Young Valuers' Conference is taking place at Magdalen College, Oxford on 8th January 2010. The reduced Early Bird booking rate for delegates is closing on 25th November after which time the full rate will be charged. Book now to avoid disappointment. Booking form and brochure are available under "Events" on this website and any enquiries should be directed to Elaine Neades 01594 832979 elaine@caav.org.uk
South Downs confirmed as new National Park
The South Downs has been confirmed as a new National Park. A new South Downs National Park Authority is expected to be in place by April 2010. For further information, see the press release on the DEFRA website.
Marine and Coastal Access Bill gets royal assent
The Marine and Coastal Access Act was passed on 12th November. It introduces a right of access to the coast which will be implemented by Natural England. Consultations on various aspects of coastal access are ongoing and the CAAV is part of the Coastal Access Forum. See Members' Documents / Property for more detailed briefings on coastal access.