A MOVE by SEPA to introduce sky-high charges for water attraction licences has prompted NFU Scotland to call for a consultation on the issue.

Union members and staff met with SEPA this week to voice their opposition to the move which could lead to some farmers seeing an increase of up to 600% - proposals that the union argued were entirely unjustifiable.

Following a robust discussion, SEPA took on board the feedback provided and there was agreement that aspects of the proposals needed reworked.

The consultation on the proposals closes on Friday, November 3. Any member who has received the letter from SEPA and is unhappy with what it says is encouraged to respond to the consultation and share their response with NFUS.

Those most likely to be affected will hold water abstraction licences.

NFUS deputy director of policy, Andrew Bauer, said: “I am heartened that SEPA appears to now understand the legitimate concerns that we and our members have about the proposals.

“Our members are aware that the water environment has to be protected and that water is a valuable asset.

“NFU Scotland believes that the best way to protect the environment is to work with farmers rather than impose counterproductive charges and regulations.

“ In recent years SEPA has seemed to share that view and I hope that this unfortunate episode is simply a misstep on its part.”