SPS forms deadline looming - NFU guidance
7 May 2008
There is now only days to go before the SPS Deadline on 15 May (to avoid late application penalties).
Please note that there have been a series of SPS updates that cover SPS 2008 since the 11 February.
Our key message is do not leave it to the last minute. The RPA have only received 40,000 out of the circa 109,000 forms expected.
The latest update on 2007 payment is available on the RPA website (06/05/08).
Here's some guidance:
The forms this year on the whole seem to be better populated than previous years. Things are not as bad as 2006 or for some 2007, but that does not help those who find themselves with a blank Part C (field data sheets) or need additional Part C or CA sheets. They can only be obtained from the RPA.
If a claimant has a blank 2008 SP5 form, they will need a copy of the 2007 application or some form of information to base the claim on - field parcels.
A copy of the 2007 SPS form can be obtained from the RPA by calling 0845 603 7777 - but check how quickly the RPA will be able to send it out - of course the 2007 form may contain information that has changed for this year (e.g. field areas and numbers or what is farmed) - so claimants need to be careful.
The deadline - Completed forms should be returned to RPA by midnight on 15 May 2008 to avoid a late penalty. Forms submitted between 15 May and 9 June will incur a 1% penalty per working day and applications received after 9 June will be rejected.
All 2008 SP5 form packs should have been with farmers by the end of March. While the RPA can send out another pre-populated form or supplementary Part C booklet (field data sheets) of CA (common land), this is now not likely to be received until after the 15 May deadline. If claimants need a form or need additional supplementary booklets containing Part C or CA, they have two options:
1. Call the RPA on 0845 603 7777 and ask for a blank form to be sent - but ask the RPA on how long they are going to take to get to the claimant or supplementary booklet to be sent
OR
2. Drive to an RPA drop in centre and pick up the required documents. The forms are not available on the RPA website and remember the RPA will not accept photocopies or computer generated forms - only originals will be accepted; If the claimant has land outside of England they need to contact the relevant administration for a copy of the relevant forms and guidance.
If someone has not received a 2008 application form pack, they will need to get the following:
- a blank Application for the Single Payment in England - SP5 form - 2008 version
- a couple of continuation booklets for Part C (depending on the size of the claim) and Part CA if required;
booklets: Single Payment Scheme: Handbook & Guidance for England 2008 & Single Payment Scheme: How to Complete Your SP5 Application Form - Return Envelope and Covering Letter
The main forms that can be downloaded from the RPA website for SPS 2008 are:
the Agent / Partnership Authorisation Form - SP9
SP11 Form - Order of Activation of Entitlements
SP12 Form - Request for Bank Details to be Paid By BACS after 15th October 2008
SP13 Form - Assignment of SPS payments to another party
If a CReg08 Form has not been completed beforehand, this will also be required and can also be download from the RPA website.
All the SPS guidance is however fully available on the RPA website and is clearly marked out under the SPS Forms and Guidance section;
The forms for 2008 are different from 2007
HFA 2009 - On the 2008 SPS form - The RPA has published and sent out the HFA 2008 scheme booklet to probable and potential HFA claimants for HFA 2009. Those wishing to claim HFA should be read this booklet and complete the 2008 SP5 form accordingly, if it has not arrived, it can be obtained from the RPA on 0845 603 7777 or on the RPA website.
Permanent Field Boundary Changes & New Land not on the RLR
Refer to the new RLE 1 sample form and guidance notes which are also available on the RPA website.
SPS 2008 - Agent Authorisation SP9 Form Reminder
Remember partnership / agents authorisations may be needed (SP9) - the form is available on the RPA website.
If members are signing the SPS application as an agent or partner they must be authorised to make the application.
If an SP9 was submitted last year and the end date has not expired (Question B5 on the 2006 version of the SP9 form or at question B14 on the 2007 version of the SP9) and no changes have occurred, members do not need to submit a new SP9 form for 2008.
If there have been changes, or if members have not been authorised via an SP9 or CReg01 form, they must submit an SP9 with their 2008 SPS application.
Claimants need to go through the form carefully and remember sketch maps, non food crop and energy crop contracts, hemp information etc - Parts F & H and the Single Payment Scheme: How to Complete Your SP5 Application Form booklet have self check lists built in.
Contacting the RPA
The opening times for RPA offices and other information can be found on www.rpa.gov.uk - best to ring the RPA before hand to double check the office opening times - the offices accepting forms are as follows: RPA processing sites Exeter, Reading, Northallerton, Newcastle, Carlisle and Workington and other government buildings - Worcester, Crewe, Nottingham, Newmarket and Bristol.
Calling the RPA - The RPA have published a statement on call centre opening times in the run up to the 15 May SPS deadline.
The Customer Service Centre opening hours are: Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm. These are extended for SPS queries from 31 March 2008 to 16 May 2008.
The extended opening hours for SPS queries are: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
RPA Customer Service Centre - 0845 603 7777
NFU help and advice
The NFU guide to English SPS 2008 is available through NFU Call first on request 0870 845 8458 and on NFU Online - this is for members only- business guide Ref 870. This replaces the guides circulated in earlier years.
A Query About SPS 2008? - Call NFU Callfirst
NFU CallFirst is there to help members and staff are experienced to answer the range of SPS queries that are beng generated at the moment, the number is 0870 845 8458.
Want to read more NFU Information on SPS? Visit the SPS channel on NFU Online here.
Navigation to the SPS section is via the top toolbar: What We Do, POlicy, Single Payment Scheme.
