LibDems slam disease relief red tape
21 May 2001
LibDems slam disease relief red tape
By Isabel Davies
THE Liberal Democrats have backed claims that rural businesses have been put off applying for foot-and-mouth relief measures because of red tape.
A British Chamber of Commerce survey has suggested that fewer than one in 10 businesses affected by foot-and-mouth has applied for help.
But Colin Breed, Lib-Dem agriculture spokesman, said the schemes offered to farmers and rural businesses were too restrictive.
“People want to get on with rebuilding their farms and businesses, not spend time form-filling,” he said.
“The interest on Government loans has also proved to be a turn-off.
“People will not take out loans, even in an emergency, if they think it will take years to pay off.”
The governments relief schemes had provided too little real money for rural areas, said Mr Breed.
In the light of new outbreaks of foot-and-mouth, the government should introduce interest-free loans for farms and businesses affected, he added.
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