Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP, Jonathan Edwards has joined with NFU Cymru in expressing concerns at proposals for increases to Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) regulatory fees and charges.

Mr Edwards learned the proposals, which would come into place from April 2023, includes a 10-fold increase in the cost of new application to £3,728 for land spreading of spent or unused sheep dip.

Changes are also set out for permits in relation to farming installations for the rearing of pigs and poultry, with the cost of new application rising from £7,322 to £9,270.

NRW is also proposing a six per cent increase for many of the annuals fees it charges to recover the cost of monitoring and assessing compliance with permit conditions.

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Mr Edwards said: “I support NFU Cymru in this matter and agree that the scale of the proposed increases are very disappointing at a time where farmers are already struggling.

“This is already a very challenging time for the sector and being hit by these additional charges will have a devastating impact.

“It also appears to hinder farmers trying to work within Welsh Government guidance and the aim for farming to continue to improve its environmental performance.

“Four of the Five Members of the Senedd serving Carmarthenshire represent parties who formed the partnership agreement which governs Wales. I would hope these Senedd Members would use their powers to reverse this policy by NRW.”