Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy offers 'golden opportunity' for footpaths
[10 June 2004]
After months of discussion and debate about the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published a consultation paper on the subject of CAP reform and of 'cross-compliance'.
The consultation offers a real opportunity for the government to tackle the problem of the illegal blocking of footpaths by landowners who receive public subsidy. In practical terms, this could mean that farmers and landowners would have to ensure footpaths were kept obstruction free to receive full payment.
This has become known as 'cross-compliance', whereby public money in subsidy has a discernable public benefit. Should landowners flout laws governing rights of way (keeping paths free of blockages and maintaining stiles and gates) it could mean that they would forfeit part of their public subsidy.
The consultation is particularly well timed, the most recent government statistics from the Audit Commission on the condition of the footpath network show that nationally footpaths are becoming more difficult to use in England and Wales. In England some 35% of all footpaths are now difficult or impossible to use, in Wales the figure is a staggering 56%.
Groups representing landowners and farmers are fiercely opposing this common-sense proposal, yet all it seeks to achieve is to give authorities another tool to uphold the law. To ensure that DEFRA remains committed to the idea of 'cross-compliance' in regard of rights of way, the Ramblers' Association is urging its members and members of the public to comment on the consultation, and voice support for the inclusion of rights of way in the list of cross-compliance measures.
If you would like more information on how to send your views to DEFRA, or to view the consultation in full, please go to our Footpaths Section.