Damning criticism of RPA ‘long overdue’, says CLA

The CLA said today (Tuesday, 20 July) that an independent Review's call for radical improvement at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) was "long overdue".

The Association backed the Review's key findings that there was a lack of "appropriate governance and oversight" within the RPA leadership and Defra, and "considerable gaps" in controls and leadership capability; the Agency's financial processes and controls should be strengthened and customer service improved; and new IT systems need to be developed now for post-2013.

CLA President and Yorkshire landowner William Worsley said: "This damning criticism of the RPA is long overdue and only confirms what farmers and land managers have known for a long time. Nevertheless, the CLA is horrified with the findings relating to the financial management. It seems very little reliance can be placed on any RPA data and this must be borne in mind when setting future targets.

"We welcome the Review and particularly Food and Farming Minister Jim Paice's pledge to personally drive forward progress at the RPA by chairing a new Oversight Board. His determination to change the Agency is encouraging.

"There is undoubtedly a vast amount to do but, with a new leadership in place, the RPA could one day provide farmers and land managers with the quality of service they deserve."

Contact

Dorothy Fairburn
Regional Director

A farmer’s daughter from the North York Moors, where her brothers still farm, Dorothy has clocked up more than 30 years’ service to the rural economy since graduating from Wye College (University of London) with a degree in agriculture.

She qualified as a rural practice chartered surveyor (land agent) whilst working for Savills plc in London and York, dealing with sales and purchases of country houses and estates as well as the management of investment estates for financial institutions.

Prior to joining the CLA, Dorothy worked for the National Trust in Yorkshire. There she managed some 30,000 acres of outstanding countryside as well as being responsible for historic houses open to the public and the acquisition of major new properties.

Dorothy was awarded an MBE in the 2011 New Year Honours List in recognition of her services to rural affairs.

T: 01748 907070
F: 01748 907075
dorothy.fairburn@cla.org.uk

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