Scottish BPS Deadline Delayed

The Scottish Government has announced that the deadline for submission of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications will be pushed back a month to the 15^th June.   This brings Scotland into line with England in granting farmers more time.  Both Wales and Northern Ireland have stuck with the original 15^th May date.

The Scottish Government, like the RPA, is having severe problems getting its computer system to work properly.  But, unlike in England, the Scottish system is being persevered with.  The Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has stated that technical experts are working to fix the glitches.  Paper forms are available as an alternative, but not pre-populated ones.  Therefore, those making claims have a choice as to wait and see whether the computer gets fixed, or write out the whole claim in hard copy.

Late submissions after 15^th June are possible up to 10^th July 2015, with penalties.  However, there is no ability to adjust a previously-submitted Single Application Form (SAF) without penalty after the 15^th June.  The closing date of 12^th June for the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme remains unchanged.