BPS 2016 online - what's the latest?

Where are we now?

On 7 March the first part of the 2016 application process went live. 

Known as ‘Release 1’, it allowed farmers to start their online application and to check and change their information presented.  Claimants can:

• Check and change personal details and business details, including keeping email addresses accurate and up-to-date
• Give someone else (like an agent) permission to act for a farmer
• View and transfer land and entitlements checking contact details, entitlements and land information.

‘Release 2’ went live on 21 March. This is a key development, as it allows an application to be submitted, via the final complete and confirm stages.

• Complete land use (greening and BPS)
• Complete their declarations
• Confirm all information before submitting their completed application online
• There may be some small additional tweaks and changes to the IT post-launch.

The RPA has confirmed that it sent out emails to all farmers it had addresses for, and who were online SPS 2014 claimants, on 7 March or thereafter.  

The only significant  Release 2 issue we are aware of is where a common land entry needs to be changed, or a new common land area added in. Activation of common land (up or down) is possible now.

Roll-out of BPS information, paper forms and application packs

The RPA took data from 17 March to pre-populate the paper BPS 2016 paper forms and the land-use data for BPS online.

The RPA can take data from a later date if a farmer, for example, switches from online to paper or where a farmer goes from paper to online (the applicant has to call the RPA to access online if they were previously a paper recipient). This ability to update the data shown may also come into play if inspection or commons data is still being updated, but should not be used as a reason to hold back from getting online to start the 2016 claim.

BPS 2016 communications

The Gov.uk web page is up and running with 2016 information, here.

Remaining guidance and forms to go online (expected to be available with Release 2):

• How to apply online guidance
• How to apply on paper guidance
• Online Land Use code list – only one version this year – some changes – no NA01 code (non-ag use 0) so need to use specific codes
• Three YouTube videos on ‘Online overview’ / ‘viewing land’ / ’land change land use’
• Updated PDF of the BPS Online help guidance.

Expected to be out by Easter...

• 2016 Greening Workbook for farmers own use
• 2016 New / Young Farmer Scheme form and guidance
• 2016 Active Farmer form and guidance
• Standalone Active Farmer declaration to receive entitlements –
• BP5 Continuation Booklets – Parts C (land), D (EFA) and E (Commons) – No blank BP5 forms
• YouTube videos – remaining versions

Outstanding

• FAQ Material – NFU has asked that there is a ‘hints and tips guidance published
• Accountable People – see below
• Note: Information may go to your agent - make sure you check.

RPA call centre opening hours

This weekend – The RPA has informed us that its helpline (03000 200 301) will be open again this weekend for BPS 2016 queries. It will be open on both Saturday and Sunday, from 8am to 4pm. Going forwards, the RPA is planning to be open each weekend until the claim window closes, but are not able to provide times at the moment.

The service is NOT open on Easter Sunday, either by telephone or at the Support Centres. Opening times will also be published on GOV.UK here.

Disruption of access to Rural Payments online

The RPA’s online system is unavailable from time to time.  Clearly this becomes more critical as we get closer to the 2016 application deadline. Over the coming days the system will be down as stated below for what we understand is essential maintenance and updates.

Weo urge members to go to GOV.UK to keep up-to-date here.