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A decision made (13.08.08) to note the report for 30 June 2008 with regard to Agricultural loans.

Decision Reference: MD-E-2008-0158
Decision Summary Title :	Agricultural Loans – 30 June 2008 Report.		Date of Decision Summary:	11 August 2008
Decision Summary Author:	Julia Elvidge Senior Administrator, Rural Economy		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (If Exempt state clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title:	Agricultural Loans – 30 June 2008 Report		Date of Written Report:	4 August 2008
Written Report Author:	Julia Elvidge Senior Administrator, Rural Economy		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (If Exempt State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public

Subject: Agricultural Loans: To inform the Economic Development Assistant Minister for Agriculture on the current situation with regard to the loans.
Decision(s): The Assistant Minister noted the report which indicated the current situation with regard to Agricultural Loans.
Reason(s) for decision: Required six monthly review.
Resource Implications:
Action required: Director of Environment to send copies to the Finance Director and the Treasury and Resources Minister for noting.
Signature: Connetable G.W.Fisher		Position: Assistant Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision:

Agricultural loans - 30 June 2008 report

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY

Date: 4 August 2008

AGRICULTURAL LOANS – 30 June 2008 Report

INTRODUCTION

This report is to inform the Economic Development Assistant Minister with responsibility of Agricultural Loans on the current situation with regard to Agricultural Loans.

DISCUSSION

Table 1 - Agricultural Loan statistics as at 31 December 2007:

	31/12/2007	31/12/2006	31/12/2005
Total number of ‘live’ loans	85	103	133
Total number of borrowers	52	60	69
Total amount outstanding	£3,942,647	£5,300,344	£6,715,797
Number of loans in arrears	14	27	33
Number of borrowers in arrears	10	16	16
Total amount of arrears	£217,318	£372,776	£520,539

Table 2 - Analysis of loans in arrears as at 30 June 2008:

Detail	No. of Borrowers	No. of loans	Amount of arrears
Cases with agreed way forward	9	13	£240,665
10 day letter	1	1	£2,888
TOTAL	10	14	£243,553

This shows a significant improvement on the same time last year, when there were 15 borrowers accounting for 21 loans in total arrears of £347,732. Cases with agreed way forward those with standing order mandates, etc.

Payment from one borrower with 2 loans and arrears of £117,581 is due in August 2008, this will reduce the arrears significantly to £125,972.

Small Business Loans

Under the 1993 policies there was a scheme to assist small businesses with the purchase of items such as machinery and equipment. The assistance was usually in the form of part grant and part loan. The Scheme was suspended in 2000 and at the time there were 38 loans, amounting to £115,000 outstanding. At the 30 June 2008 the amount outstanding was £9,530.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The position with regard to arrears has greatly improved in the last quarter. Efforts are continuing to reduce the level further particularly with regard to the small number who have long outstanding arrears.

The Assistant Minister is invited to note the position.

Written by: Julia Elvidge

Senior Administrator

Approved by: Chris Newton

Director of Environment