Following the on-line only application system for the Basic Payment Scheme being declared not fit for purpose, farmers and their agents will have a further month to submit claims, with the deadline now extended to 15 June 2015. The Rural Payments Agency will now accept paper forms, which they will upload to the system.
Claimants will still need to ensure that they have been registered on line at the Rural Payments Service website (https://www.gov.uk/claim-rural-payments). It is also possible to register by calling the RPA helpline (03000 200 301).
Make sure that your details are correct on the website. The RPA will then send you out a pre-populated application form within about two weeks, which you should submit by midnight on 15 June 2015. This is known as the BP5 form.
There is information on the Rural Payments Service website about what to do if you are planning to transfer entitlements, or if your land or entitlements have changed.
The CLA has produced some useful advice, including:
• Use previous claims to help with the form this year.
• Ensure the information you include about greening on the BP5 form is accurate.
• Call the RPA helpline if you need clarification for help (03000 200 301).
• New claimaints will need to register using the RPA helpline above.
• The RPA has issued guidance for Young Farmers, including a form which will allow your lawyer or accountant to confirm your status.
There are a number of other issues which are still to be finalised including cross border claims and common land. Keep an eye out in the agricultural press for updates over the coming weeks.