The NFU has called on the RPA to address severe delays in solving BPS claim issues of previous years, after a membership survey revealed a number of farmers still have outstanding issues from the past two years.

The NFU’s latest survey of 364 of its farmer members found that 14% of farmers said they still have outstanding problems from 2015 and 2016 Basic Payment Schemes.
 
the survey also suggested that farmers are increasingly seeking assistance filling in claims, with 55% of claimants saying they sought assistance in 2017, up from 46% requesting help in 2016.

Of those that completed the claims forms themselves, 30% found errors with land details, which contributed to the level additional work needed in 2017 – with 24% needing to complete an RLE1 form and 14% needing additional paper field data forms to communicate their 2017 form as required.  14% of those surveyed by the NFU said they still needed to include a covering letter for this year’s claim, the third year of BPS. Nevertheless, a clear majority of those asked (70%) said they felt RPA had provided good communication and support to farmers.

Of those that reported an outstanding issue from the first two years of the BPS scheme, problems reported related to incorrect mapping, or land / entitlement changes leading to lower payments being received than expected, some said this was down to incorrect penalties. 

Commenting on the findings, NFU Vice President Guy Smith said, “While we can see there is progress being made by the RPA, it’s clear that an unacceptably large proportion of farmers are still haunted by problems yet to be rectified. We are still hearing from too many members who are becoming understandably angry about delays, errors and underpayments. It's understandable how these claimants simply do not see or benefit from the positive steps our survey shows the RPA has made.

“Those with problems from previous years struggled with some of the elements of the 2017 claim, with some needing to complete supplementary forms to show land correctly. This will add to the workload in the coming months for the RPA, when resources must be under pressure. There is a still strong expectation of the RPA achieving at least 90% claims paid in December.”

The NFU Vice President continued, “The rise in claimants seeking professional assistance with their applications is alarming. We’ve always maintained that BPS should not be beyond the average farmer - it should be an accessible system for all. Over half saying they needed assistance shows that cost is being loaded into the industry through lack of clarity and a perception that the process is difficult. Many members who did not have claim issues found the process straightforward.

 “This survey work will arm us in our talks with the RPA to shape the next BPS year, to ensure that the application system is fit for purpose and that the delivery of BPS monies is accurate and timely.”