NFU member feedback suggests one third of its members have now received their 2016 BPS claim.

Early progress figures revealed by the RPA also indicate around 51,000 farmers have received funds.

Despite this promising news, some payments will not be made by the end of the year. And the NFU has raised concerns that the RPA has not been able to confirm when they will be issued.

Guy Smith, NFU vice president, said “It's a good start and hopefully we will see this rate of progress sustained as we run up to Christmas to achieve the much vaunted RPA promise of 90% paid in December. For thousands of farm businesses across the country prompt payment of this money will mean some relief for stretched bank accounts. Additionally it will mean farm supply firms and contractors will also enjoy some Christmas cheer as bills get paid.

“However we remain concerned that the RPA is not clear when the remaining 10% will be paid. If the RPA cannot guarantee a payment to this outstanding 10% early in 2017 then bridging payments must be considered sooner rather than later.”

The RPA has also placed some outstanding 2015 claims on hold until the bulk of this years’ have been issued.

The NFU has continued to highlight issues with BPS 2015 claims.  Although many of these have been resolved, far too many farmers where there has been a complex claim or questions about the land data provided, have still not received their full 2015 claim or answers to their questions.

Mr Smith added: “Furthermore it is clear that there are continued delays to thousands of claimants still waiting for full payment from 2015 applications. Our concern is this work is being put on hold while 2016 payments are got out. This is not acceptable. Clearly the RPA is still stretched and not fully on top of the job."