Application window opens for 2020 BPS payments
© Martin Moxter/imageBROKER/Shutterstock Farmers in England have two months from today to apply for their 2020 BPS payments and claim for environmental work.
The deadline for applications for BPS, Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship payments is 15 May.
Defra is encouraging farmers to apply as soon as possible.
See also: Nearly two-thirds waiting for Countryside Stewardship cash
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has announced the locations of eight drop-in centres for farmers in England to hand over completed Basic Payment forms.
The relatively small number of centres – compared with five years ago, when 50 were open seven days a week – is due to the shift to online applications.
The eight centres will open on 24 April 2020 and close on the application deadline day, 15 May 2020.
Where are the centres?
The centres are located at the following RPA offices.
- Cumbria – Eden Bridge House, Lowther Street, Carlisle, CA3 8DX
- Cambridgeshire – Eastbrook, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, CB2 8DR
- Cheshire – Hornbeam House, Electra Way, Crewe, CW1 6GJ
- Devon – Sterling House, Dix’s Field, Exeter, EX1 1QA
- Tyne and Wear – Lancaster House, Hampshire Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YH
- Berkshire – North Gate House, 21 – 23 Valpy Street, Reading RG1 1AF
- Worcestershire – County Hal,l Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP
- North Yorkshire – Foss House, Kings Pool, 1 – 2, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PX
Opening times are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. There will be no weekend opening and centres will be shut on Friday 8 May for the VE celebration bank holiday.
However, to accommodate last-minute submissions, opening hours on the 15 May deadline will be extended from 9am to 8pm.
RPA staff will be on hand to accept:
- Fully completed BPS and Countryside Stewardship application forms
- Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship claim forms
- Any supporting documents
- Staff will also provide receipts for all of the forms and documents
More information
 RPA Email: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk
 Helpline: 03000 200 301