Published August 13th, 2019

More timely payments for environment schemes

The Rural Payments Agency is streamlining environmental scheme payments and will make one full system payment for Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Environmental Stewardship (ES) annual revenue claims instead of separate advance and final payments.

Eligible revenue claims submitted in 2019 will receive payments between the end of December 2019 and the end of June 2020, once processing of the claims has been completed.

The clarity as to the changes RPA is making to timing of payments has been welcomed by surveyors at Berrys.

“With the future so uncertain, timely payments are going to be essential,” said Sarah Reece at the Shrewsbury office of Berrys.

“Environmental Stewardship claimants in particular have had to wait up to 18 months for payments under the existing payment system.”

Farmers are advised to check their details are up to date in the Rural Payment Service as payments cannot be made if bank account details are incorrect and up to date mailing and email addresses are also required.

To update details with the RPA call 03000 200 301 or speak to Berrys for further advice contact Sarah Reece at the Shrewsbury office on 01743 267068 email sarah.reece@berrys.uk.com, Tom Harris at Towcester on 01327 227246 email tom.harris@berrys.uk.com or Vicky Price at Hereford on 01432 809834 email Vicky.price@berrys.uk.com