BPS Update Scotland April 25, 2016 12:00 am Readers may remember First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing that National Funds would be used to make part payments to any farmer or crofter who had not received an installment of their Basic Payment by the end of March (see March’s article /generalpolicy/sc-farm/). Latest figures show about 26% (4,768) of businesses have received funds under the National Basic Payment Support Scheme. It is understood that a further 950 businesses have been sent a letter about the Scheme in the last week, with about 130 businesses opting out of the pot. National funds are having to be used because under EU Rules EU funds can only be used once the claim has beenthrough all the verification procedures, otherwise Member States will be fined. About 13,165 businesses (about 72%) have received their first installment via the EU Basic Payment Scheme. Latest figures for 2016 applications show about 2,500 forms have already been completed, with about 4,000 drafted.
