Following a report by the Government’s Responsibility and Cost Sharing (RCS) Advisory Group, the NFU has said it remains committed to working with ministers on animal health policy engagement. But it is concerned that the recommendations will not lead to a genuine partnership between Government and livestock keepers.

Commenting on the work of the group, NFU President Peter Kendall said: “We would like to acknowledge the work done by the RCS Advisory Group in assessing the costs associated with Animal Health and Welfare policy. For the first time we now have a fuller picture of the costs associated with this policy, although we also note the assessment of the National Audit Office (NAO) pointing out that the data available does not provide the basis for a transparent and equitable cost sharing policy.

“However, the NFU is concerned about the RCS Advisory Group’s recommendations for the future governance arrangements for Animal Health and Welfare policy in England.  We believe that the group’s proposal for a Government appointed ‘English Partnership Board’ is, as it stands, a missed opportunity to change the culture of the relationship between livestock keepers and the Government.

“A group consisting of Government officials and external board members appointed by ministers could provide valuable advice to ministers and improve policy making in the Animal Health and Welfare functions. But, we cannot see how this group can claim to be a genuine partnership between Government and livestock keepers or how it will drive significant change in this area.

“Notwithstanding these concerns, the NFU is committed to working with ministers to adapt these recommendations to improve engagement with industry.”