A Rural Payments Agency (RPA) mobile support unit will be attending the National Beef Association’s 2015 Beef Expo in York on Thursday 21 May.
The mobile support unit is one of ten that the Agency is using during the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application window and it will enable farmers to register on the Rural Payments system if they have not already done so.
Farmers can also hand in their BP5 application forms, RLE1 forms and any other documents. The RPA can give forms a basic check to make sure they are completed and signed.
RPA Customer Director Justin Chamberlain said: “The vast majority of farmers have now registered on the Rural Payments system – but the mobile support units are being used to help us reach those who have not yet made that vital first step. The Rural Payment system remains the only way for farmers and landowners to register for BPS this year.”
“Our priority is to ensure farmers get the support they need to complete their BPS application as soon as possible. Bringing a mobile support unit to the Beef Expo in York is part of a range of support we have available for farmers who need help to get registered. With the BPS deadline approaching I would also encourage farmers to make the most of the opportunity to hand in their completed applications at our mobile support unit.”
The Beef Expo takes place at York Auction Centre, Murton Lane, York, YO19 5GF and the RPA’s mobile support unit can be found at the Defra stand (number 45). Natural England, Catchment Sensitive Farming, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the RPA’s British Cattle Movement Service will also be on hand to answer questions.
To register for Rural Payments farmers will need to have the following information to hand:
• National Insurance number
• SBI number
• date of birth
• business specific information (e.g. bank account details)
• email address, if they have one
• Passport, driving licence or photo identification. If farmers don’t have any of these, they should bring something else to confirm their identity – for example, a recent bank statement or gas/electricity bill.
More information about mobile support units, including locations and dates, can be found on www.GOV.UK.
