THE SYSTEM set up to provide flnancial support to rural workers still has serious cost and operational issues, and is unlikely to deliver value for money, according to a report by Audit Scotland.
The problematic £178 million Common Agricultural Policy’s future farm support computer system could also cost the Scottish Government up to £60 million in flnes, the independent body claims.
At the moment, the IT system struggles to make payments to farmers on time and, according to Audit Scotland, it will be at least 2018 before this will be remedied, with no back-up in place in the event of a complete system breakdown.