Quality Meat Scotland Secures Return of £500,000 Levy
UK - Quality Meat Scotland has secured the return of over £0.5m in levy following the wind up of the Meat and Livestock Commission (as a result of the Radcliffe Review of United Kingdom levy bodies).
24 September 2008
2 minute read
* "Our industry continues to face considerable challenges and the board of Quality Meat Scotland is already deliberating on how best to invest this extra funding with a view to reaping longer term benefits for the industry." |
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Donald Biggar, QMS annual meeting chairman
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The sum was agreed after an independent adviser was appointed to calculate Scotland’s share of MLC’s funds based on contributions made in the years up until March 2008 when the organisation was officially wound up.
Speaking at Quality Meat Scotland’s annual meeting, chairman Donald Biggar said: “This has been an excellent result for Quality Meat Scotland and Scottish levypayers. MLC was happy to accept a request made by Quality Meat Scotland and our counterpart body in Wales for the appointment of an independent adviser to help ensure there was a fair and equitable distribution of MLC’s funds on the organisation’s wind up.
“Our industry continues to face considerable challenges and the board of Quality Meat Scotland is already deliberating on how best to invest this extra funding with a view to reaping longer term benefits for the industry.
"We are looking at projects that can leave a legacy, that complement industry development activities being progressed through the Scottish government’s resilience fund money and ultimately help strengthen the position of our three brands in the global meat marketplace.”
Following a risk analysis exercise, the board has agreed that a strategic reserve of £1m, up by £100,000, should be held by Quality Meat Scotland.
Quality Meat Scotland’s transition to a public body has allowed the organisation to collect levy “in house” and the move is benefiting levypayers. It is on track to make an annual saving of £30,000. The sum will be channelled into activities to benefit the industry.
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