Blogs/Vlogs

Basic Payment Scheme deadline - act now!

5 May 2017

The 15 May 2017 midnight deadline for submitting your Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application is approaching fast, and farmers must put time aside to complete and submit the required form now.

With some changes to digital maps, farmers have found more time may be required to complete the form. Mapping irregularities and coding errors have caused problems for farmers causing helplines to be overloaded.

Farmers should do the best they can and submit the applications ahead of the deadline. Many farms currently rely on the BPS to enhance small farming profits or to maintain the farm as a going concern.

The good news is that the BPS 2017 Helpline will be extending their opening hours to include Saturday 13 May from 08.30 to 14.30 and Sunday 14 May from 08.30 to 14.30 but we would not recommend relying on getting through to them during this busy time.

Help and guidance can be found here. 

The deadline is 15 May 2017 at midnight, but we advise you to start now so go to www.gov.uk/rural-payments and sign in today.

Some farmers will need to show that they meet the BPS 2017 rules on being an ”active farmer” and so require an “Active Farmer readmission accountant certificate”. Please ensure that you get in touch with your accountant in good time to get this submitted, as some may not necessarily chase you to get this completed and submitted. More information on this certificate can be found here.

Congratulations to all those who have got theirs in already!

If you have any questions about the BPS or need assistance in submitting your application, please do get in touch as soon as possible by either contacting myself or your local UHY agriculture expert.

Alternatively, for more information on our rural service offering, please click here.

Let's talk! Send an enquiry to your local UHY expert.