Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel (Review)

Tuesday 22nd May 2012 Written Statements

[The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr James Paice)]

I announced on 15 December 1911, Official Report 123WS that I had commissioned a review of the Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel (IAAP). I have considered the findings and recommendations of the review, and following consultation with the Minister for the Cabinet Office I am pleased to announce the Government’s decision on the future of this body. The IAAP will be retained in its current form (an advisory NDPB) and business processes supporting the appeals function are to be strengthened by DEFRA and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), providing a more accessible and informative appeals service.

The review concluded that there remains a need for the IAAP in its current form and that it is a service valued by stakeholders. The report makes a number of recommendations that will strengthen and improve how the appeals function is operated and increase its transparency and accessibility for customers. The Government have accepted these in full. DEFRA and the RPA will work together to implement the recommendations as part of the wider programme of work announced in the RPA’s five-year improvement plan (published on 9 February). Further details are available on the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk) and the RPA’s website.

Copies of the review report, “Review of the Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel” have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.