FARMERS are being pushed to the financial brink by more problems with a new subsidy scheme, union chiefs warned yesterday.

Edward Dennison, chairman of the North Riding and Durham branch of the National Farmers' Union, said many farmers were facing real hardship because of difficulties in implementing the Single Payment Scheme.

The Government announced on Wednesday that farmers would not be told how much money they were entitled to this autumn, as planned, but would have to wait until the new year.

Payments made in February could also be just interim, rather than full amounts because of possible changes in EU rules on how payments are made.

Mr Dennison said: "The news that farmers are now not to be notified of entitlements until the new year and that payments, already delayed until February, might not now be paid in full will come as a severe blow.

"While it is welcome that the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to make a payment in February, frankly, I am at a loss to know how farmers are expected to cope with what has been a litany of delays.

"The potential impact of any further delay is really very serious, with many farmers pushed to the brink financially."