Welsh Schemes Update April 25, 2016 12:00 am Basic Payment Scheme By the end of April, all but a very small number of businesses with complex claims should have received their 2015 BPS balance payment. According to Deputy Farm Minister, Rebecca Evans, BPS entitlement values were established by 1st April (The European Commission’s deadline) which has allowed balance payments to be made. Although we have been unable to find any official announcement, from Welsh Entitlement Statements the Government is indicating an eventual flat rate Basic Payment in 2019 of €73.52 per ha. This can only be an estimate as the number of entitlements will change over time and this amount is before the greening element or redistributive payment, the latter being paid on the first 54ha. For 2016 all applications must be made online, those requiring digital assistance appointments can telephone the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004 Glastir The new Glastir Small Grants Scheme is expected to open for its first round of expressions of interest in June 2016. This is a stand alone competitive scheme, offering grants of up to £5,000 for a set list of capital works which will help to tackle climate change and improve water management. This first round will concentrate on reducing carbon and greenhouse emissions. Further rounds are expected to cover other themes including: Adapting to climate change Improving water quality and reducing flood risks Protecting the historic environment and improving access Reversing the decline of Wales’ native biodiversity Further guidance can be found at http://gov.wales/docs/drah/publications/160331-glastir-small-grants-general-rules-booklet-en.pdf Farming Connect Farmers and foresters need to have re-registered since October 2015 to be able to make use of the full range of support and services under the new Farming Connect programme. For further information on Farming Connect and on registering go to https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/farming-connect-registration
