Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel
House of Lords

Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Whip, House of Lords; Conservative)

My right honourable friend the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food (Jim Paice) has today made the following Statement.

I announced on 15 December (Hansard, col. 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 RPA, providing a more accessible and informative appeals service.

The review concluded that there remains a need for the IAAP 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.