English farmers are being urged to put their businesses in a good position for upcoming EU support payments changes by making their Single Payment Scheme (SPS) applications online this year.
The window for online applications opened today (20 February), and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is encouraging claimants to join the 55,800 people who have already applied electronically.
The agency’s free SPS Online service offers an automatic check for common errors, the peace-of-mind of an instant online receipt and confirmation email, and is postage free.
Farmers who have not previously applied online are being sent starter packs, containing a PIN and a guide on how to log on to the service, to help them make the move to electronic applications.
RPA information and technology director, Ed Schofield, said: “Most farmers now choose to transact electronically because it makes good business sense. Applying for SPS electronically in 2014 will build up confidence in the online process and put farmers in a strong position for changes to come under the new Basic Payment Scheme.
“SPS Online is easy to access, faster and more secure and applicants used to paper forms will find the online layout familiar but with a few extra benefits, such as built-in checks and an instant receipt.”
Once an online application is confirmed as received, customers can use SPS Online to track their claim to see if the RPA is waiting for additional information from them to be able to process the application. They can also view and print claim and entitlements statements for previous years - as far back as 2009 - even if those original applications were made on paper.
SPS Online is available at www.gov.uk/single-payment-scheme-online.
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