This briefing is a summary only of the relevant details as at the date of production.
For full information please refer to the relevant Rural Payments Agency (RPA) guidance handbooks online at gov.uk/guidance/bps-2016.
RPA Registration
Each farm business must have at least one ‘Legally Empowered Person’ registered with a Customer Reference Number (CRN) on the online Rural Payments service in order to be able to claim any of the CAP Schemes. Anyone not already registered can register online using ‘Verify’ or (much easier) direct with the RPA on the phone on 03000 200 301. Once registered, a farmer can authorise an agent to act on their behalf, and set individual permission levels.
In 2016, the RPA is encouraging farmers to complete their claims online but will send paper forms to those who request them, and also to those who applied on paper in 2014. As well as being able to complete their claim online, farmers (or their agents) must now use the CAP Information System ‘CAPIS’ to update business details, view and amend Rural Land Register maps, and request land and entitlement transfers.
Click here to view Basic Payment Facts 2016.