APHA has identified an issue through an internal audit relating to TB compensation payments.
Following a policy change, some payments were incorrectly made at 100% rather than the required 50% reduction for animals moved onto holdings during a TB breakdown.
Serious distress
The NFU does not support the recovery of these funds and has told APHA plainly that it will cause serious distress across the industry, whether or not members are directly affected.
NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins said: “We have real concerns about the decision to recover TB compensation overpayments recently actioned by APHA. The NFU has held urgent discussions with the APHA to understand how this will work and what repayment plans will be available.
“We urge any NFU members contacted by APHA in relation to this clawback to contact CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.”
NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins
“These compensation payments were made in error by the APHA. While we appreciate APHA’s openness about the issue, the responsibility of resolving it should not be falling on the shoulders of farmers who did nothing wrong and who are already under serious financial strain.
“We urge any NFU members contacted by APHA in relation to this clawback to contact CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.”
What affected members should do
Call NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 for free initial advice.
Support organisations including the FCN (Call: 03000 111 999 – 07:00 – 23:00, 365 days of the year) and RABI (Call: 0800 188 4444 – 24/7 support line) have also been briefed on this issue and can offer support to affected farmers.
