As one online scheme crashes, another starts
The move to a completely online system for the Basic Payment Scheme was an error, writes Paul Madeley.
After months of problems surfacing, the paperwork has been brought back into action for part of the scheme.
But this comes as we approach another scheme which is set to take place primarily online – and could result in more problems.
The new Countryside Stewardship scheme replaces Environmental Stewardship, the English Woodland Grant Scheme and capital grants from the Catchment Sensitive Farming programme.
Problems have arisen with the BPS as it was a brand new scheme introduced with a completely new way of working – online.
But there was not enough time reserved to launch the scheme and help farmers and landowners make the big switch to online. The Countryside Stewardship will open in full in July 2015 – which is not far away.
Guidance for the full scheme is available on gov.co.uk along with the advice that applicants can register with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) using the RPA's online tool. While the original schemes will still continue until their expiration date it should be noted there will be changes to the way payments are received.
Historically when these schemes were applied for, money was automatically sent out each year. Now a claim form will need to be submitted annually before May 15.
Many in schemes will have never had to apply for annual payments before, but if they do not do it this year they will not get the funds they are entitled to.
If existing agreements expire the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme can be applied for from July 2015 with applications for Higher Tier and Mid Tier agreements (similar to the current higher level and entry level stewardship).
These agreements start on January 1, 2016, and payments will begin in 2016.
Together with ongoing ES and EWGS agreements, Countryside Stewardship will be the main way of helping farmers and land managers deliver against a wide range of local, national and international environmental commitments. The new scheme will help wildlife and nature, pollinators, forestry and water and flooding.
The proposed payment rates for Countryside Stewardship have been published on GOV.UK at www.gov.uk/cap-reform.
* Paul Madeley is Director of Madeleys Chartered Surveyors based in Much Wenlock
