RPA reminds farmers agency still open to BPS claims

The boss of the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has reminded farmers who still need to claim under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), or make a change to an existing application, they can do so – but only for another two weeks.

Speaking at NFU Council, RPA chief executive Mark Grimshaw said the agency was in the process of contacting farmers who had been emailed a BP5 form but were yet to make a claim.

The agency was also contacting customers who were eligible to apply, but had not yet submitted their claim or registered on the RPA system.

See also: Read more stories about the Basic Payment Scheme

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind those who would still like to claim, or those who would like to make changes on claims they have submitted, that they can do so until midnight on 10 July,” he said.

“Forms and guidance are still available on the Gov.uk website and the helpline is ready to take your call.”

The RPA has revealed that a total of 85,178 farmers submitted their BPS claim by the midnight deadline on 15 June.

In addition, 183 farmers submitted a claim between 16 June and 23 June – the first week of a penalty window during which farmers can still submit claims, but face a 1% penalty for each working day the claim is late.

Farmers needing help and support can continue to call the Rural Payments helpline on 03000 200 301, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.

Six drop-in centres also remain open until 10 July. They are located at RPA offices in Newcastle, Carlisle, Workington, York, Reading and Exeter and are all open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Farmers can hand in their BPS application forms, RLE1 forms and other documents, get a receipt and get help to register online.

Agents with five or more claims need to book an appointment by calling the Rural Payments helpline.