Lloyds announces BPS late payment support

Lloyds Bank Agriculture has been working for several months on a support package for farmers who could be disadvantaged by late Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments this year.

As the 15 June deadline approaches, the CLA has urged its members to use the support available to ensure their clams for the BPS in England are submitted in time.

Andrew Naylor, head of agriculture for Lloyds Bank, said: “As a safeguard against the possibility of late Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments this year, Lloyds Bank Agriculture has been working for several months on a support package for farmers who could be disadvantaged by such an event.

“The final details are yet to be announced. However, we can confirm that should payments be delayed, the provision will be available from the date the payment should have been received, and will offer affected customers an opportunity to access the working capital they need.

“We will be writing to all our farming customers with the details of this package in due course.”


CLA President Henry Robinson said: “The 15 June deadline is looming and we have been working closely with the Rural Payments Agency to make sure our members know what they need to do. It is now ‘last chance’ territory for anyone that still wants to claim Basic Payment in England, and we are encouraging any of our members in this situation to use the support that is available to make sure they do not miss out. For every day late beyond 15 June that a claim is submitted, the claimant will see a 1% penalty reduction of their payment, and after 10 July the claimant will have missed out completely.

“We are also advising our members to ensure that adequate postage is paid and posted forms are sent via recorded delivery, and to look out for their submission receipt from the RPA so that there is no nasty surprise when the payments are made.

“Our focus over the coming weeks is to continue pressing for assurance that the problems with the application process will not translate into payment delays, and to continue discussions with the banks and revenue authorities about how they will help farm businesses if delays do happen.”