Computer problems hit licensing system (From Western Telegraph)

Computer problems hit licensing system

Livestock movement licences are being issued manually to Pembrokeshire farmers because Pembrokeshire County Council cannot access a central computer system.

Last Monday, DEFRA handed over responsibility for farm-to-farm and farm-to-abattoir licences to the county council.

It was three days before the passwords staff needed to access computerised movement records were given to the authority and all attempts to access that system have so far failed.

The first farmer to apply for a licence under the new system arrived at the councils offices at 9.02 am on Monday. Staff were prepared, but had yet to receive their full instructions from the National Assembly for Wales.

Because the licences have to be issued manually, farmers are being asked to sign a declaration that stock have not been moved on to their land for 21 days.

We want to provide the best service we can to farmers, said a county council spokesman.

They didnt ask for this change and neither did we but we are trying to make it as seamless as we possibly can."

Despite the computer hiccup, farmers in general have welcomed the change.

Dafydd Williams, the Farmers Union of Wales livestock committee delegate, said it makes sense to have a central point for licences.

Occupational licences will, however, continue to be the responsibility of vets.

It does seem sensible that there is one point for licences but it is expensive, inconvenient and not environmentally friendly for farmers living some distance from Haverfordwest, said Mr Nicholas, of Ynys Deullyn, St Nicholas. He recently had to complete an 11-page licence application to move 12 cattle for fattening to a farm in Northamptonshire.

We were told that a DEFRA official would have to follow this lorry to make certain that it didnt stop en route but no one was available that day," he said.

Carmarthenshire County Councils head of Public Protection, Philip Davies, is asking all farmers and agents who are making applications to the authority for an Autumn Movement Licence to make sure they submit their application before contacting their veterinary surgeon and haulier.

He said all applications are processed through a central computer system operated by DEFRA and occasionally the system has to be updated which causes delays in processing which are outside the control of the county council.

This results in a long delay in processing licences and may result in lost appointments with veterinary surgeons and hauliers which have been booked in advance of the licence being obtained.

Philip Davies said: It has been an exceptionally busy three days since the start of the new Autumn Movement Licensing Scheme and we are seeking the co-operation of everyone requiring a licence in making sure that they follow the procedure so that a licence is obtained before making any other arrangements.

Farmers and agents are reminded that applications for licences can be submitted seven days in advance.

They are obtainable from Carmarthenshire County Councils Spilman Street Office in Carmarthen, or by contacting the Council on (01267) 228705.