Farmers need to act now to make sure they don’t miss the 16 May deadline for claims under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
That’s the advice from the rural team at Bruton Knowles who, with the window for submissions due to open in mid-March, recommend farmers seek proper advice before they submit their applications.
With a myriad of technical issues stemming from the introduction of a new online application system in 2015, getting expert guidance will ensure any submissions are not only correct but on time.
Compulsory for all applicants, the web-based system was created by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) as part of CAP reform, and was set up to allow applicants to submit annual claims, map land, alter personal and business details and transfer entitlements.
It was however beset by a host of issues including a lack of broadband in many rural areas resulting in a lot of farmers not being able to gain access.
As a result, last year’s claims had to be submitted on paper which has resulted in delayed payments to farmers this year and completed a rather embarrassing U-turn for the RPA.
Ben Compton from Bruton Knowles is now advising farmers to be aware of the 16 May deadline and that they make provisions to get their claims in.
Ben said: “First and foremost it’s imperative that farmers start getting their applications together now. There’s nothing worse than a last minute rush to get an application in on time.
“Our advice is to get in touch and we’ll guide them through all that is required making sure they comply with the minimum of fuss and disruption to their working day.
“Having banged the drum loud and hard about the new online system the fact that, for now, BPS field parcel amendments still need to be made in RLE 1 paper format is a quantum change from the RPA. If it means however that farmers get the correct payments on time then that’s what we must do.”
'Accountable person'
In addition Compton and the Bruton Knowles team are keen to highlight that this year’s applications must now list an ‘accountable person’. This person should be someone who makes the decisions on how the business is run and who benefits financially. In some instances it may not be possible to provide these details, in which case the RPA have asked to be notified and will provide information on how to comply.
Applicants are also being advised to double check that any entitlement transfers are correct, again stemming from issues with the online system and the last minute switch to paper forms last year.
Many farmers are still waiting for their 2015 payment and there are some that have received payments well below what they were expecting, which could be down to paper RLE1 processing delays. Farmers therefore need to check their claim statements carefully when they receive them, with any underpayments challenged with the RPA.
Ben added: “There is a lot to consider for the already time stretched farming community. The majority of farmers completely accepted the need to switch to an online system but with poor broadband in many rural communities there will be many farmers applying using paper forms again this year.
