SCOTGOV'S rural payments computer seems to be functioning better – but delayed payment runs are still not complete and there is a "significant tail" of payments outstanding from way back in 2015.

NFU Scotland has noted that the CAP Futures system had struggled with a number of more complex claims and anomaly cases – but stressed that these complexities and anomalies had not been the making of the affected claimants.

Union chief executive Scott Walker said: “Whilst there has been a marked improvement in functionality of Scottish Government’s IT programme since the Auditor General’s report in May 2016, it is of little comfort to those individuals who still have claims outstanding that Scottish Government still is unable to give a clear reason for the delay, as well as a date for when these payments will be delivered. Only after these people have been paid will the debacle of 2015 payments finally be concluded.

“Whilst the majority of 2015 payments have been completed, those that are still awaiting payments or continue to face administrative hurdles are having the future of their farm businesses unnecessarily undermined," said Mr Walker.

“We understand several thousand Scottish farmers and crofters have yet to have 2015 claims completely settled. The list includes those who have applied for Less Favoured Areas support; the beef calf scheme; the hill ewe hogg scheme; Rural Priorities; Land Managers Options and those who entered into private contract clauses to transfer Basic Payment Scheme entitlements.

“In value, it amounts to several millions from 2015 schemes that have yet to enter farming bank accounts – even though we are now in the second week of 2017. It is essential that focus remains on resolving these outstanding cases from 2015; and NFUS hopes to see Scottish Government come forward with a step change in delivery that gives an unambiguous timetable for the delivery of the 2016 balance payments, and future payment rounds across all schemes in 2017 and beyond.

“NFUS is adamant that 2017 must see Scottish Government draw a line under the long running payment debacle and put farmers and crofters on a clear footing with regards to payments.”