He writes:
Along with issues such as greening changes, cross compliance and the progress of 2017 claims, the NFU BPS team continues to be heavily involved in supporting members with payment issues that originate from their 2015 and 2016 claims.
We have seen some long running BPS cases resolved in recent weeks, and we continue to be told that 2015 and 2016 claims are being reviewed post-payment where concerns have been raised over the accuracy of the payment received against the claim made.
But there still seems to be a significant divide between what we hear from the RPA and what we see on the ground from our members.
Our latest BPS survey of members shows a worrying 10% of those surveyed with outstanding 2015 and 2016 issues. Members have been waiting a long time to receive meaningful feedback from the RPA about their payment concerns and communications remain poor. In recent months many have also completed the RPA’s payment query form to help the process of getting cases resolved.
One new development we’ve seen is where the RPA suggest there is an overpayment been made.
This can be very concerning for members; while the European legislation that underpins the BPS rules allows for the recovery of what is deemed to be overpaid monies, it is important to check the demand against the claim made and check the BPS / greening rules have been met. We have put together a guide for members on this issue as set out below.
None of this paints a very pretty picture for those in this situation, but be assured we continue to raise member’s concerns with the RPA on a weekly basis. We have pulled together below some information to help you if you are affected at this time. As always, if you have a BPS issue, further assistance can be sought by calling NFU Callfirst on 0370 845 8458.
Getting help - member resources on NFUonline
- Payment issues: We have put a payment Q&A together here.
- Payment query form: If you have not yet raised a payment query with the RPA, their preferred route is via the payment query form. More information can be found here.
- Overpayments: There are a number of situations where an overpayment can arise. We have compiled a briefing looking in more detail at the BPS land/greening overpayments action taken by the RPA. Read the advice here.
- Complaints and appeals: Here’s where to take your concerns about RPA administration of BPS or decisions over a claim made.
- Parliamentary Ombudsman: Find out about the role of this organisation in helping to resolve BPS related service issues here.