Overview

The Direct Payments to Farmers (Legislative Continuity) Bill ensures that EU legislation governing direct payments to farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) continues to apply in UK law after Brexit. It also allows for potential increases in the maximum amount of these payments for the year 2020.

Description

This bill incorporates relevant EU legislation into UK law, specifically the Direct Payments Regulation and related regulations. It ensures these regulations continue to function for the 2020 claim year, as if they had always been part of UK law. The bill addresses potential issues arising from Brexit, such as removing references to EU entities and clarifying any ambiguity. Importantly, it grants the Secretary of State the power to increase the maximum direct payments for 2020, based on recommendations from the Bew Review.

Key Aspects:

• Incorporates EU legislation governing CAP direct payments for 2020 into UK law.
• Addresses potential deficiencies in the incorporated legislation caused by Brexit.
• Provides the Secretary of State with the power to increase the maximum amount of direct payments for 2020, referencing the Bew Review report.
• Includes provisions for making consequential and transitional regulations, with differing procedures for different governing bodies (Scottish Ministers, Welsh Ministers, DAERA, Secretary of State).
• Specifies publication requirements and rules of evidence related to the incorporated EU regulations.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't directly specify an amount for increased government spending. However, it enables the Secretary of State to increase the maximum amount of direct payments to farmers for 2020. The actual increase in government spending will depend on the Secretary of State's decision and the number of farmers who claim the higher payments.

Groups Affected

• Farmers: The bill directly impacts farmers receiving direct payments under the CAP. The potential increase in payment ceilings could benefit farmers financially.
• UK Government: The bill potentially increases government spending on agricultural subsidies.
• Devolved Administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland): These administrations have a role in implementing and modifying the legislation within their respective territories.
• Courts and Tribunals: The bill clarifies the legal status of the incorporated EU legislation, providing guidance for legal interpretation.

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