BPS 2015: 3 weeks to apply

Over 30,000 completed Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications have now been received by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) - but with 3 weeks remaining farmers are urged to submit their BPS 2015 applications as soon as possible.

Any farmer who has not received their BP5 application form should contact the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301. If an agent has permission to act on their behalf farmers should check if forms have been sent to them first.

Over the past week RPA mobile support units have visited auction markets in North Yorkshire, Devon, Herefordshire as well as the NFU’s Isle of Wight office.

This week, mobile units will be in Cheshire, North Yorkshire, Shropshire and Somerset.

The RPA is also attending the Royal Bath & West Show in Shepton Mallet, Somerset from 27-30 May. Farmers can hand in their forms, which will receive a basic check and receipt, at stand 229.

Justin Chamberlain, RPA Customer Director said: "The RPA is continuing to support farmers by sending mobile support units to various locations across the country.

"We have also extended the opening hours of most of our drop-in centres to give more farmers the opportunity to get their forms in before the deadline.

"The feedback from those using our mobile units and drop-in centres has been very positive and I would urge farmers to make the most of the BPS 2015 support available from the RPA in their region."

Why online BPS claims can’t come soon enough

As inspections start and the 15 June deadline for Basic Payment System (BPS) claims looms, online claims may still be a long way off, and the industry will have to stick with paper claims this year.

Cross Compliance Solutions has been selected by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to pilot online submissions. However, its managing director says it will be a while before it trusts the system enough to use it.

Charles Mayson, managing director, Cross Compliance Solutions, said: “We’re proud to be one of the pioneers chosen to spearhead the new online claim work for this year’s BPS. But it has become apparent that the system isn’t ready. And we don’t think farmers can rely on being able to submit online before the 15 June deadline.

“We’re talking to the RPA all the time on behalf of our clients – we’re among their top five callers – and we will continue to work with them to iron out the problems with the new system. Now, more than ever, the BPS is crucial to total farm income. No claim, no income – so we just can’t take the risk on behalf of our clients across the country.”

Ultimately the RPA would like agents and third parties such as Cross Compliance Solutions to make a start with online claims. But particular difficulties have come to light and, with the deadline approaching, the company has decided to stick with the paper-based system this year to provide reassurance to its clients.

Charles continued: “For example, at the moment you can’t submit hedgerows and buffers for greening online as they get taken off the parcel of land. So in many circumstances the whole greening section would have to be sent in separately on paper.

“Online claims can’t come quickly enough for us and we’re fully supportive of the efforts of the RPA. But everyone is frustrated by the software problems, our clients most of all. And the real worry is regarding potential delays to payments in December.”