News
The introduction of the Single Payment Scheme in 2005 means that 2004 will be the final year for the current bovine schemes. The paragraphs below set out the closing dates for submission of claims under the various schemes.
Suckler Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS)
SCPS claimants are reminded that the application period for claims under the 2004 Scheme closes at midnight on 6 December 2004. Claims submitted after 6 December may be accepted up to midnight on 31 December 2004 but any premium paid will be reduced by one percent for each working day late. Claims received on or after 1 January 2005 will not be accepted.
SCPS Quota
The SCPS Quota 2004 Transfer and Lease Notification Period opened on Tuesday 15 June 2004 and will close on 6 December 2004. Transfer and Lease forms received on or after 7 December 2004 will not be accepted.
Beef Special Premium Scheme (BSPS)
BSPS claimants are reminded that the application period for claims under the 2004 Scheme closes at midnight on 31 December 2004. Claims submitted after 31 December may be accepted up to midnight on 25 January 2005, but any premium paid will be reduced by one percent for each working day late. Claims received on or after 26 January 2005 will not be accepted.
Extensification Payments Scheme (EPS)
Standard Scheme EPS claimants are reminded that the deadline for returning the final declaration is 28 February 2005. Declarations received after this date will be not be accepted and the claim will be rejected and no payment made.
Slaughter Premium Scheme (SPS)
SPS claimants are reminded that the application period for claims under the 2004 SPS and Veal Calf Slaughter Premium Scheme is six months from the date an animal ends its retention period, or 28 February 2005, whichever is sooner. Payment for each animal claimed late will be reduced by one percent per working day, up to 25 calendar days after the deadline. If a claim for an animal is received more than 25 calendar days late no payment will be made on that animal. Payments on other animals within the same claim that have been claimed on time will not be affected. Each reduction will be calculated and applied separately to each animal which is claimed late.
Notes to Editors
1. The Rural Payments Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It is the single paying agency responsible for CAP schemes in England and for administering certain schemes throughout the UK. It will be responsible for administering the Single Payment Scheme in England.
2. Claimants are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that all questions on their claim form are answered and completed correctly and that the form is submitted ahead of the closing date. RPA will acknowledge all claims received. If a claimant does not receive an acknowledgement within fourteen working days of submitting their claim, they should contact their RPA processing site immediately.
3. RPA produced a Question and Answer (Q & A) brief in March 2004. The Q & A concentrated on answering questions about the age related eligibility rules for animals on which premium is claimed and the deadlines for submitting such premium claims. The Q & A can be found in the Bovine Schemes Section of the RPA website. Alternatively, a copy can be obtained on request by contacting the Beef Section or Livestock Section of any RPA office.
4. For further information: Penny Corkish on 0118 9531746.
