With just days to go until the BPS deadline for 2016, Richard Wordsworth of the NFU’s BPS team covers off the key points to consider over the coming days:
Don’t delay – the 2016 BPS Deadline is 16 May
If you’ve not started your application, please do so without any further delay. If you are going online for the whole application, look out for any planned system downtime to avoid frustration and delay in submitting the claim. And if you’ve not yet checked that you can actually get to the online systems, please do so now. Things are a little different this year even if competing a paper form, so please allow enough time.
For everything you need to know about the Basic Payment Scheme in 2016, including how to claim BPS online using the Rural Payments service visit the BPS 2016 homepage.
Issues with your 2015 BPS claim, or payment, and claiming BPS this year
We would urge all members to look at the ‘help to apply section’ within the BPS 2016 homepage. Here you can find the latest version of the RPA’s information on how to apply via the BPS 2016 hints and tips on making your application document. This guide continues help those experiencing any issues with their 2015 payment or believe their prepopulated 2016 claim data is incorrect. You can also watch video tutorials about how to claim BPS online. Additionally on NFUonline we have produced additional Q&A information material to assist you.
If you have concerns over your 2015 payment to write to them explaining the issues. The letter / email needs to have ‘BPS 2015 payment’ in the title or heading to help RPA deal with them separately to 2016 claim correspondence.
Don’t guess BPS; seek help if you are unsure
Call either the RPA on 03000 200 301 (opening times found on BPS 2016 homepage) or NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458 for help. Our CallFirst team of specialist advisers provide guidance and support for thousands of NFU members annually. Read more ...
Another year for a covering letter?
If you are at all concerned about the application process and need to explain parts of your claim to the RPA, then write a letter to them.
Keep evidence - have you got a receipt?
If using a paper form or submitting paper information to the RPA, keep a copy of everything you’ve sent. If using the online system, print off the final PDF online summary, and even screen shots of the basis of the claim.
Submitting paper forms or supporting documents to the RPA - Hand deliver now
With only days to go and there only being 14 RPA locations around the country this year where you can drop off forms and supporting paperwork, allow enough time to get any paper documents in on time. Read more ....
Already submitted your BPS application?
Whether you have submitted your application or not, carrying out a final check or clarifying any doubts is crucial. You can still make certain changes to your claims submitted before 16 May, right up to 31 May without incurring any penalties. The types of changes that can be made are detailed in the scheme rules.
Got an ELS / HLS or new 2016 Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreement?
Finally, remember to complete the annual declaration and submit it by 16 May to Natural England to avoid a penalty. Similar to last year the claim forms can also be handed in at RPA drop in centres.