FAQ answer list updated to cut helpline calls

The Rural Payments Agency has updated its list of answers to frequently asked questions on single farm payment application issues in a bid to reduce calls to the helpline.

The full list of questions and answers can be found by visiting its website. Answers to many other questions can be found on farmers weekly”s website fwi.co.uk/sfp

They include:

How can I fill out my SPS claim form if I don”t have my maps?

If your digital maps are being processed, use the field sizes and areas you provided on your Land Registration form or on your 2004 IACS claim to fill in the claim form, then provide a covering letter stating that you have submitted a registration and are waiting for it to be processed.

How do I then work out my field numbers and areas if I have never seen a digital map?

If you cannot work out the field number, please supply a copy of a map marking the fields. Fields are normally shown on the 1:10,000 scale maps and sometimes on the 1:25,000 ones. If you do not know the exact area, please provide an estimate.

If the digitised field area(s) are different from the area declared on my previous IACS form, which area should I use for my SPS 2005 form?

The digitised areas should be used on your SP5 application, providing you have not changed field boundaries since your RLR maps were mutually agreed and signed off with RPA.

How do I add previously unregistered IACS land on which I have never claimed?

If you wish to claim the land for SPS, the fields should be added to your SPS application. Request an IACS 22 to register the land to the Rural Land Register.