Welsh TB Compensation Plans

The Welsh government has launched a consultation on the introduction of a table valuation system for TB compensation.  A similar system has been in place since 2006 in England and involves valuing cattle according to 51 categories.  In Wales, compensation for cattle is currently determined by individual on farm valuation in accordance with the Tuberculosis (Wales) Order 2010 on the basis of 100% of market value. The key objective is to develop a compensation system that is fair to cattle keepers and taxpayers and encourages cattle keepers to play their part in tackling the disease.

According to the consultation document, the total amount spent on compensation in the 2012-13 financial year was just over £17 million. However by using the table valuation approach compensation would have been 18% lower for non-pedigree stock and 41% lower for pedigree animals, with an average 30% reduction. The Welsh Government is expecting to introduce any new legislation required during 2014. The full consultation can be found at http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/tb-compensation/?lang=en, all responses must be submitted by 22 April 2014.