This is different to the information in the RPA’s ‘How to Apply for the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme in England’ guidance, which was published on gov.uk on Sunday.
Updated guidance has now been published online here.
Other updates
Check your email accounts
The RPA has said that pre-populated BP5 claim forms will be sent out this week, by email, to everyone who has registered on the Rural Payments online system. They will also get guidance on how to apply, via email initially with paper copies to follow in the post.
On Monday, the RPA said it expected its first mailshot to be completed in 24 hours, with remaining claimants to follow on afterwards.
Farmers and agents are advised to check their email accounts.
Messages will come from ZG9ub3RyZXBseUBydXJhbHBheW1lbnRzLnNlcnZpY2UuZ292LnVr.
Where a farmer has fully empowered an agent to act on their behalf, these communications will go direct to the agent.
If you haven’t received an email by 23 April, contact the RPA on 03000 200 301.
The RPA's top tips for this week
- This is a new scheme with new rules so check your form carefully. Read the ‘How to apply guidance before you apply’.
- Even though the claim deadline is now confirmed as 15 June, make an early start on completing your claim. The RPA is here to help if you need it.
- The new Basic Payment Scheme web-page on GOV.UK tells you all you need to know about BPS 2015.
- Don’t forget to sign your claim form.
- Return RLE1s, maps and completed BP5 claims forms in a single envelope to the RPA or drop it in at a support centre.
What do I do when I get my email?
Farmers are advised to start their 2015 Basic Payment Scheme application as soon as they receive their pre-populated form and carefully checked that everything is as it should be.
The RPA is offering a variety of support to help farmers and agents return their forms swiftly. Farmers are now able to drop in to support centres across the country to hand in their application form, RLE1 form and any supporting documents.
They can also get a basic check of their forms to ensure they have included their SBI number, land data, filled in the active farmer section and signed the declaration. Get details of your nearest centre here.
I haven’t managed to register…
Farmers who still require help to register on the Rural Payments system or more detailed support with their application - together with agents who need to make five or more claims - need to make an appointment at a support centre by calling 03000 200 301.
NFU member? You might be hearing from us
Our research team will be conducting a BPS survey from Wednesday 15 April.
This will involve interviewing members by telephone to gain information on the progress of their application and establish any issues they are having.
This will provide valuable feedback for when we are in meetings with Defra/RPA.
The survey will also be available on NFUonline in due course.