As many of you will be aware, the RPA have now launched the new Basic Payment Scheme application system on their Rural Payments Service. The system uses the “Siti-Farmer” software that Carver Knowles used extensively in 2015 for many of our client’s BPS applications. As a result of our understanding of the software we are […]
Posted on March 29th, 2016 by Mike Cluley
As you will be aware, we are fast approaching the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application window for 2016. In light of this and of the difficulties experienced by the RPA for the 2015 BPS application this is an update on the current BPS situation. 2015 BPS CLAIMS The RPA estimate that over 70% of claimants […]
Posted on February 17th, 2016 by Mike Cluley
Natural England are now receiving applications to the new Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant scheme. The scheme will be open annually and the application window for 2016 shuts on 30th April 2016. Eligible farmers can apply for one-off grant funding for the restoration of hedgerows and stone walls. The grants are to repair and restore rather […]
Posted on February 4th, 2016 by Mike Cluley
Landowners and farmers can see permissive paths turning into public rights way where there has been uninterrupted use on that route for at least 20 years. Rest assured that farmers and landowners can protect their land against claims if they can show that they did not intend such rights to be acquired. This can include […]
Posted on December 21st, 2015 by Mike Cluley
In the past few days the LEADER programme has been launched by a number of Local Action Groups (LAGs). The LAGs broadly cover the same areas as the local councils and in our area the LEADER programme has been launched by: Worcestershire (Wychavon, Malvern Hills etc) (£1.96m available) Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury (£1.447m […]
Posted on December 4th, 2015 by Mike Cluley
The answer to the above question is……..it depends on who it is that wants to come onto your land. Utility Companies The most common occurrence of where someone needs to access your land is in relation to the installation or maintenance of utility company equipment such as electricity power lines, water / sewer and gas […]
Posted on December 3rd, 2015 by Mike Cluley RPA TO START TO MAKE BPS PAYMENTS FROM 1ST DECEMBER We understand that he RPA has confirmed that at least 30,000 claimants (35%) should receive their BPS 2015 payment when the payment window opens on 1st December. Inevitably this is likely to be more straightforward BPS claims that have required the least amount of additional validation […]
Posted on November 27th, 2015 by Mike Cluley
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) are sending out a BPS update leaflet to farmers and agents who submitted a BPS 2015 application. The leaflet sets out what farmers can expect from the RPA in the coming months and confirms the exchange rate for payments. The main focus of the leaflet is on when and how […]
Posted on October 28th, 2015 by Mike Cluley
As Land Agents involved in many farm businesses in the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire area, we are frequently asked about diversification and alternative income opportunities and also the opportunities for renewable technology on farm. The answer is that there are a number of changes afoot in the funding of the renewables industry and options going forward. […]
Posted on October 22nd, 2015 by Mike Cluley Mike Cluley from Carver Knowles in Worcestershire helps us to understand. The Greening rules are a compulsory requirement of the Basic Payment Scheme. They contribute to approximately 30% of the value of their total BPS claim value. If a farmer does not comply with the rules they will lose some or all of their “greening” […]
Posted on September 22nd, 2015 by Mike Cluley