Two weeks left for farmers to apply for BPS 2016

RPA Helpline number: 03000 200 301
RPA Helpline number: 03000 200 301

With the two week countdown underway farmers are told by the government to act now and make their 2016 Basic Payment Scheme claim before the deadline of midnight on 16 May.

With around 61.5 percent of anticipated applications already submitted or in progress, the new online claim elements of the Rural Payments service seems to be working well for many.

The government is telling farmers to complete their application before the deadline, even if they are waiting for the balance of their 2015 payment or still have an outstanding query on 2015. All 2016 claims will be automatically updated with any verified changes in 2015 claims.

33,564 online 2016 BPS applications are submitted, more than 14,707 are showing as ‘in progress’ and the Agency has also received 5,833 completed paper forms.

As well as online claims, over 401,267 hectares of land and 108,699 entitlements have also been transferred using new elements of the online Rural Payments service.

Chief Executive of the RPA Mark Grimshaw said: "We know that BPS money is hugely important to farmers so we want to give everyone all the help they need to make their 2016 claim on time.

"That is why we’re geared up to help with extensive support available online at GOV.UK, over the phone and in person.

"Our helpline people are working seven days a week answering calls and 14 support centres are available to help people claim online.

"People can drop-in during the week and we have plenty of appointments left for weekend visits.

"We are urging people to apply using the Rural Payments service, but I want to reassure farmers that there is a paper option for those who need it.

"The level of applications submitted or in progress means we are on track, with figures to date matching this stage in previous years.

"But we are never complacent and hundreds of RPA people are standing by to help farmers get their applications done and in on time."

As in previous years, any farmers with concerns about their BPS 2015 payment or claim details held by RPA should write or email.

Key dates for BPS 2016

6 May – last day to email RPA to ask for land parcels to be added to online claims on the Rural Payments service.

9 May – last day to ask RPA for a paper form to make sure it’s received by 12 May, giving applicants time to complete and submit it by 16 May.

16 May (midnight) – deadline to submit a claim before penalties apply.

Farmers can make changes to their claim submitted before 16 May, right up to 31 May without incurring any penalties.