06 Jan 2009 - Ref 01/09
Figures released today show that, as at 31 December 2008 full SPS payments amounting to over £960 million have now been made to nearly 70,000 customers. This represents nearly three fifths of the estimated fund value paid (59%) to nearly two thirds of the estimated number of claimants (65%)
This follows a written statement on 18 December from Hilary Benn, Secretary of State, confirming that a series of full payment runs had been authorised by RPA following a pilot run of full payments announced on 3 December.
RPA is working towards making more full payments to more farmers earlier than last year, with a view to meeting its formal targets of making 75% of SPS 2008 payments, by value, by the end of January 2009 and 90% by the end of March 2009.
Notes to Editors
RPA is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It is the single paying agency responsible for CAP schemes in England and is responsible for administering the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). Other key services include carrying out rural inspections and livestock tracing.
The SPS 2008 estimated fund value is £1.63 billion and the estimated number of claimants is 106,500.
Media only contact: Caroline Forcer, RPA Press Office , 0118 968 7680 caroline.forcer@rpa.gsi.gov.uk
Page published: 6 January 2009