Online SPS claims surpass paper for first time
More than half of all farmers claiming SPS in England submitted their applications to the Rural Payments Agency electronically this year.
By the final June 10 deadline more that 104,000 applications had been made, with 55,800 submitted electronically – some 54 percent.
The number of farmers using RPA’s own SPS Online service increased from 38,500 in 2012 to just under 51,600 – a huge rise of 34 percent. A further 4,200 applications were made using farm software applications.
More than a quarter (14,600) of electronic applications came from farmers and agents who were using the online service for the first time.
Customer Director Justin Chamberlain said: “It is really encouraging to see that increasing numbers of our customers are appreciating the benefits of making their SPS applications electronically and that so many chose to use the RPA’s SPS Online service.
“Well over half of all applications were submitted electronically this year, which is a considerable increase on the 2012 figures.
“The figures show the word is clearly spreading that SPS Online is quick and easy to use and that it provides customers with other useful benefits, such as instant receipts and checks for common errors.
“Those who have not already used SPS Online should register for the service now as the benefits do not stop at application time. They will be able to check the progress of their claim and help ensure they are paid accurately and quickly by seeing if we are waiting on any additional information.
“They can also view and print claim and entitlements statements for previous years, as far back as 2009, even if those original applications were made on paper.”
