The first of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) advance payments will be reaching farmers in the coming weeks, says the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
Following environment secretary George Eustice’s May announcement, that payments would be made in two instalments each year for the remainder of the agricultural transition period, 50% of the overall payment is to be issued from July with the remaining balance expected from December.
This first payment will also go to those who applied for the Lump Sum Exit Scheme and claimed BPS in 2022.
“We know that cashflow during the summer season can be concerning for many farm businesses, particularly this year due to issues exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. I’m pleased to confirm that we have started to make advance BPS payments to farmers, and expect to issue the majority of payments by the end of July,” said Paul Caldwell, chief executive of the RPA.
Most farmers should expect to receive their BPS advance in the coming weeks, though a small number of claims will require additional checks that will take longer to process. However, the RPA said that they will contact any farmer affected by this.
To receive their payments, farmers should make sure that the RPA has their most up-to-date bank account details. Then, when the payment has been made, a remittance advice is sent in the post confirming the amount paid. Once the full balance payment is made, from December, a claim statement will be sent to explain how the 2022 payments have been worked out.
Sign in to the Rural Payments service to check your details ahead of payment: www.gov.uk/claim-rural-payments.
