LIB DEMS EXPOSE 50% CUT TO FWAG BUDGET
February 17, 2009 9:05 AM
Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group budget has been cut
Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland and Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, has demanded the Scottish Government explain why it has slashed the budget of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group by 50%.
In a letter to the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Hume expresses his anger at repeated changes and cuts to FWAG's funding in this financial year.
Liberal Democrats revealed in January 2009 that FWAG's 2008/9 budget had been cut by 30%, seven months into the financial year. The Scottish Government gave no explanation for such a cut. Mr Hume now understands that FWAG has only received £160,000 of the original £340,000 budget. FWAG has been informed by the Scottish Government that further payments will not be made, leaving a budget shortfall of over 50%.
Commenting Mr Hume said: "The Scottish Government must explain to the farming community why FWAG has once again had its budget slashed. To withhold over half of the original budget is unscrupulous behaviour and totally undermines the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting our rural communities.
"FWAG represents a viable and value for money organisation that has a proven track record of ensuring that land managers play their part in protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
"These cuts put the future viability of FWAG at risk and jeopardise successful delivery of the SRDP. The Scottish Government must explain this unforgivable failure."
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