Updating Rural Payments and Services (RP&S)
Updating Rural Payments and Services (RP&S)
In the run up to the Single Application Form (SAF) window opening for this claim year, now is a great time to ensure that your details are up to date on the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments & Inspections Division (RPID) Rural Payments and Services (RP&S) system. It makes life easier for RPID, and most importantly, ensures there are no unnecessary delays to your payments arriving.
Basics First
You should ensure your address, house/mobile number, and e-mail address are up to date. It is important that RPID can get in contact with you. There might be the misconception that correspondence with or contact from RPID will trigger an inspection of some kind, however, RPID not being able to contact you is more likely to lead to delays of payments rather than dodging an inspection.
When updating your address, you need to consider that there are potentially three places where you need to this. First is the business address, second is the responsible person address, and third you also have the location address. For the average sole trader these will all be the same, but unfortunately it needs to be updated in all three locations.
Business details found on the funding page are important as they can impact on which schemes you are eligible for, such as the Young Farmers Payment (YFP). Make sure your date of birth and business start date are recorded correctly.
Ensure your business structure is correct, and all business partners are included. If a sole trader passes away, the business must be re-registered under a new Business Reference Number (BRN).
If a new partner is added to the business or if any partner leaves the business or passes away, you will need to update this and may be asked to supply supporting documents to RPID.
Land Changes
If the land you permanently hold changes, this should be communicated to RPID. Permanent land is automatically displayed on your Single Application Form (SAF), so if your locations are up to date, it helps to ensure there are no under declaration penalties from missing a location or field. Incorrect permanent location details can impact which schemes can be claimed, such as The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS).
In cases where you are acting as an executor for a sole trader, it is very important that RPID are notified as soon as possible. Payments are put on hold when someone dies and are not released again until they are informed of the executor and updated bank account details.
Most of these details can be updated online in your RP&S account, or via the PF01 Registering a Business Form. For cases where you are an executor, it is best to speak to your local RPID office directly.
5 Top Tips
- Make sure the basics such as address, mobile number and e-mail address, are current.
- Ensure that your preferred method of communication is up to date.
- When updating your address, you potentially need to do this in three places.
- If you are acting as an executor, you need to get in touch with RPID to inform them to get payments released.
- When you gain or lose a tenancy (or buy or sell some land) remember to update your locations by completing a land maintenance form.
Useful Links
- www.fas.scot/publication/maintaining-your-business-details-on-rural-payments-services
- www.fas.scot/publication/rural-payments-and-services-changing-your-login-details-and-updating-personal-details
David MacKay, Consultant, David.Mackay@sac.co.uk
Unearthed is the exclusive SAC Consulting members' monthly newsletter. Unearthed offers insights and tips from our experts on what we think is in store for farming and crofting in the coming months in order to protect and enhance your business.
Posted by Unearthed News on 13/02/2025
