Special Entitlements FAQ
1. What are SPS Special Entitlements?
Special entitlements were allocated in 2005 where a farmer had claimed under certain livestock schemes without a forage area requirement during the reference period; and either had no land in 2005, or had only a small area of land such that the value of their entitlements exceeded €5,000 per hectare. Further details are given in Section F of the Single Payment Scheme Handbook and Guidance for England 2006.
2. Does an SPS claimant need any land at all if they are just claiming on special entitlements?
If ONLY special entitlements are being claimed, then no land is required.
3. Can special entitlements be transferred?
Special entitlements can be transferred in the same way as normal entitlements. However, unless a farmer transfers all of his/her special entitlements to a single purchaser, the entitlements transferred will lose their special status and become normal entitlements that must be accompanied by a hectare of eligible agricultural land in order to claim payment. This conversion is permanent and cannot be reversed. For more information on the transfer of entitlements, please see paragraphs E24 – E27 of the Single Payment Scheme Handbook and Guidance for England 2006 or the Guidance Notes that accompany form RLE1.
4. What is form SP16?
SP16 is the form sent by RPA to farmers who have been allocated special entitlements, to allow the farmers to provide details of the numbers of relevant livestock present on their holdings. This information is required to determine if the minimum activity level has been reached to activate special entitlements. Forms will be sent out in October 2007.
5. Why do I need to complete the separate form SP16?
It is not possible for RPA to confirm a claimant’s eligibility to special entitlements without having the supporting information requested on the form SP16. If you still wish to activate any special entitlements that you have been allocated, the SP16 form must be completed so that your application can be assessed.
6. What is the deadline for the return of the SP16 form for the 2007 SPS scheme year?
RPA must receive your completed SP16 form, together with any required supporting evidence (e.g. sheep flock records, goat herd records) by 14 November 2007. If the information is not received, you may not be able to activate your Special Entitlements for payment in the 2007 scheme year.
7. What is the payment rate for special entitlements?
Just like normal entitlements, special entitlements are comprised of the flat rate and the historic element. The value of special entitlements will be adjusted annually in the same way as normal entitlements, so that by 2012 the associated payment will be set at the level of the regional flat rate payment.
8. Can I change my special entitlements into normal entitlements at a future date by choice, if I wish?
A farmer who has been allocated special entitlements will be asked to confirm each year on the Single Payment Scheme application form that he/she wishes those entitlements to retain their special status. Otherwise, the entitlements will be converted into normal entitlements. This conversion is permanent and cannot be reversed. Further details on the conversion of special entitlements into normal entitlements can be found at paragraphs F14 and F15 of the Single Payment Scheme Handbook and Guidance for England 2006.
9. What happens if I declare more eligible land than is needed to activate my normal entitlements?
The surplus land will be used to activate the corresponding number of special entitlements for payment. These entitlements will be converted into normal entitlements. This conversion is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Contact information
If you cannot find the answer to your question here, then please ring
the Customer Service Centre on 0845 603 7777.
If your enquiry is not urgent please e-mail us at CSC@rpa.gsi.gov.uk or write to us at:
Rural Payments Agency
PO Box 1058
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE99 4YQ
Page published: 27 June 2011
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