BVA react to Defra cuts
Defra's operating budgets have been cut by 15 per cent.
The BVA has responded to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement and Spending Review where it was announced that Defra's operating budget will be cut by 15 per cent.
In a statement, BVA president Sean Wensley, said: "In recent years we have already seen the impact of significant cuts to Defra's budget on veterinary fees for TB testing and other OV services and on disease surveillance so further cuts are of concern, although we are pleased they are not as severe as originally forecast.
“We welcome the Government’s announcement that spending on animal and plant health will be prioritised, particularly the continued commitment to implement the comprehensive bTB eradication strategy."
"We also welcome the capital investment in Defra’s science estates and equipment in order to enhance national disease outbreak response capabilities, which we hope will help support vets in the vital frontline role they play day-in day-out on the ground."
“However animal welfare was noticeably absent from the announcement, and BVA will continue to press Defra to ensure animal welfare policy and research remains a priority."
Defra has promised that the cuts will be focused on administration costs.
In a statement published after the spending review, Defra said that they will 'become a more streamlined, digital department, sharing back office functions like IT, human resources and finance with its network bodies to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy.'
More information on Defra's settlement at the spending review 2015 can be found at www.gov.uk.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
