The Rural Payments Agency is switching its 0845 telephone number to 0345 as part of a government-wide move away from higher-rate phone numbers.

The switch has already taken effect and RPA has urged farmers and landowners to begin using the new, lower rate number straight away. The old 0845 number will remain active until 1^st October.

The switch means only one digit of the RPA number will change; the Agency's customer service line is now 0345 603 7777, having changed from 0845 603 7777.

Details of other numbers affected by the switch are as follows:

• BCMS English (now 0345 050 1234)
• BCMS Welsh (now 0345 050 3456)
• PEACH helpline (now 0345 607 3224)
• CTS Self Service (now 0345 011 1212)
• CTS Self Service Welsh (now 0345 011 1213)

The RPA will keep up-to-date information available through the GOV.UK website.