Defra has published its Key Dates for 2023, these include the application and claim windows for the BPS, Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship and the Lump Sum Exit Scheme. A summary chart can be found at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1133033/Key_Dates_2023_v1.0_FINAL.pdf
Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)
The scheme will open on 14th March and close, as usual, at midnight on 15th May 2023. These dates also apply to Young and New Farmer applications. The Entitlement Transfer deadline also closes on 15th May. It will be possible to make certain changes to a BPS application which has been submitted by 15th May, without penalty, until 9th June. Applications made after 15th May can still be made up until 9th June but these will attract a penalty. Payments will once again be made in two instalments. An advanced payment of 50% of the estimated total, will be made from 1st August with balance payments made from 1st December 2023. Although the application window does not open until 14th March, it is possible to start preparing for this now. The online land and Entitlement transfer facility is available and it is possible to update Land Use data onto Rural Payments. The email Add-Land facility is also available; for BPS applications, requests need to be sent to RPA by 2nd May in order for them to process them in time for the 15th May deadline.
Countryside Stewardship (CS)
Higher Tier – Applications to the Higher Tier of CS opened on 7th February and will close on 28th April 2023.
Mid Tier and Wildlife Offers – These will open for applications at the later date of 14th March and close on 18th August. Defra has decided to delay the opening of the CS Mid Tier, including the Wildlife Offers, so they have time to amend the application process to make it more straightforward. Feedback from the SFI has been positive regarding the application process and Defra has said, where it can, it wants to introduce this into its other services. This means that the Mid Tier application will be different this year, but should be easier(!) Although opening of the application has been delayed, the deadline has also been put back, meaning those wishing to apply still have the same length of time. Just like the BPS, it is still possible to check land on Rural Payments and make sure it is all in order ready to make an application. Remember any land details on Rural Payments is used across all schemes – BPS, CS, ES and SFI.
CS and ES Revenue Claims – This runs from 14th March until midnight on 15th May (same as BPS). It will be possible to make certain changes to a CS claim which has been submitted by 15th May, without penalty, until 31st May 2023 (different to BPS). CS and ES claims made after 15th May can still be made up until 31st August 2023 but these will attract a penalty. Both CS and ES payments will be made from 1st December in one lump sum. One thing to remember with CS and ES is an annual claim must be made. Unlike BPS where the application generates a payment, the application or signing the agreement does not give rise to a payment; this must be claimed each year Even for agreements which have commenced in January this year, including ES extension offers, a claim must be made before 15th May 2023. Applicants should receive reminders throughout the claim period.
CS Capital Grants – Including the new Higher Tier Capital Grants are open all year round for applications. Claims can also be made at any time throughout the year, as long as the works have been completed and paid for.
CS Woodland Tree Health and Woodland Management Plan – Applications can be made all year round.
Lump Sum Exit Payments
The deadline to return Lump Sum Exit Scheme evidence is midnight on 31st May 2024. Payments are made once the evidence has been submitted. Those who have applied for the Lump Sum Exit and will not have submitted their evidence before 15th May 2023, would be advised to submit a BPS claim this year. To receive the BPS for the remainder of the Transition period, a claim must be made this year, even if it is just for the minimum 5 hectares. Then if for some reason the land sale or FBT which is supposed to provide the evidence for the Lump Sum Exit Payment does not ‘go through’, at least the BPS would still be available. If it does go through, the 2023 BPS payment would just be taken off the Lump Sum Payment.