Back to pen and paper

CROFTERS should fill in their subsidy claims using pen and paper to avoid potential delays, according to Shetland MSP Tavish Scott.

Scott said the Scottish government’s new computer system for processing claims was well overbudget and did not work properly.

He said the public spending watchdog Audit Scotland had estimated the cost of the new system at £178 million, a matter he raised at Wednesday’s Scottish Parliament audit committee, who promised to take evidence from the government on the matter next month.

He has also been advised it takes three times as long to process claims using the expensive new system, forcing the government to extend the deadline for submissions until 15th June.

“Government has a poor record when it comes to computers,” Scott said.

“The new IT system is 111 per cent over budget.

“Crofters, now in the midst of lambing, are having to cope with a cumbersome and very slow online application process for their agricultural claims.

“Even if a crofter is lucky to have superfast broadband, and not many do across Shetland, it makes no difference.”

He said Audit Scotland were already warning that December payments may be delayed.

“It is possible to complete the 2015 application on paper,” Scott said. “I would urge any Shetland crofter who has previously used a paper application to do the same this year.

“Based on Audit Scotland’s assessment, there are real worries about this new system.”