Farmers have until midnight tonight to submit BPS 2016 claims

The RPA has said it is expecting to receive a further 5,000 BPS 2016 claims forms ahead of today’s deadline – the last day for applying without penalty.

Farmers now have until midnight today (16 May) to submit their application, along with any continuation sheets, and all supporting evidence.

There are some changes you can make afterwards without getting a penalty.

The evidence you need to send depends on what you’re applying for, but the RPA must have received hard copies of all of supporting evidence by the deadline.

This includes:

• active farmer readmission accountant certificate, if required

• young farmer payment:

• the new or young farmer form

• if you’re a repeat applicant, a copy of the 2015 form and a covering letter confirming no changes to your business structure since you applied last year

• extra entitlements from the national reserve – the new or young farmer form

• entitlements transfers – RLE1 form (if not done online)

Drop-in centres

Farmers can also submit application forms and evidence at a support centre. All of the 14 support centres will be open today from 8.30am to midnight. Please arrive by 10pm tonight.

RPA Helpline

Email ruralpayments@defra.gsi.gov.uk or ring 03000 200 301