Ahead of the 15 June BPS deadline, the Rural Payments Agency has extended the opening hours at most of its drop-in centres.
Almost 60,000 completed Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications have now been received by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) - but with one week remaining, farmers are urged to submit their BPS 2015 applications as soon as possible.
Farmers who have not yet submitted their claim forms should take them to one of 50 drop-in centres or, if using post, use a signed-for, next-day delivery service.
Opening hours at most drop-in centres have been extended including this weekend of 14/15 June and up to midnight on the final day (Monday 15 June). Full details of locations and opening times can be found on the interactive map on GOV.UK at www.gov.uk/find-help-to-claim-rural-payments.
Farmers taking their forms direct to a drop-in centre will be offered a basic check-and-receipt service. The check will ensure applicants have included their Single Business Identifier (SBI) number, land data, filled in the active farmer section and signed the declaration. Agents with five or more claims should book an appointment via the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301.
In addition to extending drop-in centre opening hours, the RPA has also set up a phone service that allows farmers that applied by post to check their claim has been received by the Agency. The RPA is also issuing reminder texts, letters and emails to those agents and farmers who have yet to claim. The RPA is also contacting farmers when initial checks on their claims show further information is required.
The RPA’s Customer Director Justin Chamberlain said: “At this stage, farmers and agents are advised to hand in their claim form at their nearest drop-in centre or mobile support unit, rather than rely on the postal service. If you do decide to post, be sure to use a signed-for, next-day delivery service.
“If you have already posted your form to us, from this week you can now check if we have received it by using our automated service. Call our helpline on 03000 200 301 and have your SBI ready.”
