HIGHER payments for certain works under the higher level stewardship (HLS) scheme have been announced – but only for new entrants who join after July 1 this year.

John Turnbull, of Durham-based Youngs Chartered Surveyors, said it was “extremely disappointing” for those already in the scheme.

He said: “These rates are not retrospective and as a result only apply to new entrants coming into the scheme after July 1.

“This puts existing HLS agreement holders at something of a disadvantage as they will continue to be paid at the old rate until reaching the fiveyear break point in their existing agreement. It is particularly vexing for those who have just signed up.”

Capital items set to attract the higher rates include hedgerow restoration, plus coppicing and gapping up. Those rates will rise from £5 per metre to £7 per metre, and stone wall repairs will rise from £16 per metre to £30.

Others to benefit include stone faced hedge banking, earth bankrestoration, sheep and post and wire fencing and some drainage schemes.

Mr Turnbull said: “The aim in selecting these particular items is apparently to bring payments into line with those offered under the new uplands entry level scheme (UELS).

“Hence, payments for capital works not offered under UELS, and those made under other schemes such as Countryside Stewardship (CSS) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA), remain unchanged.

“With Defra ministers having agreed last year to delay any payment review for agri-environment schemes for the foreseeable future, it seems unlikely farmers in these schemes will see any increase for some time.”

Mr Turnbull said for those with existing ELS and HLS agreements, or those thinking of adding HLS agreements, the defining criteria as to which payment rate they receive is the start date of the current agreement.

“Hence, those with start dates prior to January 1, 2007, will be eligible for the new rates as they will be restarting a new ten-year agreement,” he said.

“But for those with agreements dated post-February 1, 2007, they are considered to be applying for an extension to their existing agreement, and will therefore only become eligible for the higher capital payment rates after their next five-year break point.”

Mr Turnbull said any increase in payment had to be good news. “But only if you happen to be the right side of the line.

“This is certainly not the case for the majority of farmers carrying out this type of work, essential for the continued upkeep of the countryside.”