13. After regulation 12 insert—
12A.—(1) This regulation applies where in relation to applications for less favoured area support approved in respect of a Scheme Year commencing on or after 1st January 2015, the Scottish Ministers are of the opinion that the financial resources available are insufficient to make payments of less favoured area support to applicants at the rates calculated in accordance with these Regulations.
(2) Where this regulation applies, the Scottish Ministers must—
(a)determine the amount, including any applicable thresholds, in respect of which payments of less favoured area support are to be reduced, taking into account the financial resources available for the relevant Scheme Year (“the appropriate reduction”); and
(b)apply the appropriate reduction, so as to reduce the amounts of less favoured support payable to applicants in respect of the relevant Scheme Year.
(3) Before making any payments of less favoured area support in respect of the relevant Scheme Year, the Scottish Ministers must publish a statement setting out how they have determined and will apply the appropriate reduction to payments in accordance with this regulation.”.