Government launches specialist helpline as 550 commoners await BPS 2016 payments

Commoners are people who have recognised rights to carry out farming practices on designated common land, much of it in extreme rural locations
Commoners are people who have recognised rights to carry out farming practices on designated common land, much of it in extreme rural locations

Approximately 550 commoners are still waiting to receive their 2016 BPS payment, with the Government responding by introducing a specialist helpline.

As of 2nd February, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) stated they have made payments on 85.2 per cent of 2016 BPS claims that include common land.

Reviewing of 2015 BPS claims and top ups where required also continues. A particular challenge with BPS on commons has been the inability to view claims, where services such as broadband and mobile coverage scarce.

Many hill farmers and commoners have faced a bleak winter after relying on food banks.

The National Farmers' Union have said some of the most vulnerable farm businesses are being put at risk due to the failure of the Rural Payments Agency.

However, the RPA has since introduced a new helpline designed specifically for commoners to help ease troubles.

Julia Aglionby, Executive Director of the Foundation for Common Land said: “From Monday 6th February 2017 commoners will be put directly through to the RPA Commons Team when they ring the RPA Helpline.

“This is a most welcome development as it has been frustrating for commoners not to be able to speak to someone who understands their claim.”

Commoners are being urged to call the normal helpline number, 0300 0200 301, and state clearly that they wish to be transferred to the Commons Team.

Improving systems

The Foundation for Common Land continues to press Defra and the RPA to improve the functionality of their systems so the full breakdown of claims are provided.

They have also urged the Government to complete Defra's remapping exercise, so they can view data online and understand the revised eligible area of each common.

Commoners work on common land that is owned collectively by a number of persons, or by one person, but over which other people have certain traditional rights, such as to allow their livestock to graze upon it.

The Foundation for Common Land said farmers provide many benefits to society through their management of common land and should be properly rewarded for this role.