DAERA plans for ammonia and nitrates

Proposals from DAERA on a revised Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and associated phosphorus regulations will be separate to the upcoming Ammonia Action Plan.

The NAP sets out rules relating to closed periods for spreading organic and chemical manures, storage requirements for slurry and chemical fertiliser spreading limits.

A new NAP was due to come into force from 1 January 2019, but has been delayed.

It is understood officials want to get it agreed with the European Commission ahead of Brexit.

On enquiry, a DAERA spokesperson would only say that the proposals for a revised NAP will be published as part of a public consultation in early 2019.

“Proposals on ammonia will be part of a separate consultation, which is expected in the first half of 2019. We will be engaging with stakeholders on the proposals soon.”

Universal credit roll-out delayed

Workers on low incomes that currently avail of various tax credit schemes will not be moved over to Universal Credit this year, Home Secretary Amber Rudd announced last week.

The original plan was to move tax credit claimants in NI on a phased basis from July 2019 to March 2023.

However, this has now been deferred until 2020, with the aim being to complete the process by the end of 2023.

The UK government continues to receive significant criticism given that the scheme does not consider the seasonality of some self-employed workers’ incomes, such as farmers.