RPA announces ‘best ever’ December payout

The highest ever proportion of Single Payment Scheme (SPS) payments were released by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) this month, Agriculture Minister Jim Paice announced today.

Since the RPA started making 2011 SPS payments on 1 December, it has paid 87% of farmers eligible under the scheme – achieving its target two weeks ahead of schedule.

A total of £1.4 billion was paid to over 91,400 farmers, making it the highest ever proportion of payments made in December.

The payments represent 81% of the estimated total value for 2011, exceeding the RPA’s target of 78%.

Jim Paice, who is also Chair of the RPA Oversight Board, said: “This is the best ever performance in December and a good example of the improvements being made at the RPA. But I’m determined to keep driving things forward so that the remaining payments are made as soon as it’s possible.”

The RPA says it has “advised farmers who have not yet been paid about the work that remains to be done and the normal timing for completion.”