The Government has confirmed the window to submit applications
for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and make a claim for
Countryside Stewardship (CS), Environmental Stewardship
(ES) and woodland
legacy revenue payments will be extended by one month.
In light of the disruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak,
farmers and land managers will now have until 15 June to submit
their applications without penalty. This will give farmers and
their agents an extra month to submit applications and claims,
helping them to avoid penalties for late applications.
Farmers and land managers are still encouraged to submit claims
and applications, in particular online for BPS and CS through the Rural
Payments Service, as soon as they are able to, with a large
number already received by the Rural Payments Agency
(RPA).
The RPA will
continue to monitor the situation carefully and consider if
further measures are needed to support farmers. Applications for
new CS Higher
Tier and Mid
Tier agreements are still being accepted ahead of their
respective deadlines of 1 May and 31 July 2020.
RPA Chief
Executive Paul Caldwell said:
We’re fully focused on making vital payments to the rural
community and helping customers submit their claims and
applications during this difficult time.
We know the coronavirus is causing issues where farmers are
unable to meet their agents, so we are making this extension to
allow more time for the farming community to submit their
applications and claims without penalty.
I would urge farmers and their agents to complete their
applications and claims as soon as they are able to, using the
Rural Payments Service in the first instance.
In addition the period for amending your claim without penalty
has also been extended to 30 June 2020 with final submission of
applications and claims now to be with the RPA by 10 July 2020.
All applicants can quickly update their personal and business
information and apply or claim through the Rural Payments
Service, where farmers and their agents can also view and
transfer their entitlements and land parcels.
Natural England and Forestry Commission staff are continuing to
provide advice by phone or video call for land managers
developing Higher Tier applications in time for the 1 May
application deadline, so that schemes can be progressed in the
absence of a site visit.
Natural England will also be supporting Mid Tier applicants
through an off-farm advice programme whereby applicants
can contact an
adviser and book a clinic session. Applicants will
receive advice on the options most appropriate to their holding
and top tips on ensuring applications are correct.
