M.B. HODGSON & SON - SINGLE PAYMENT & OTHER SCHEMES

One of our particular areas of expertise at MB Hodgson is advice on the various farm payment schemes and the ever-changing legislation. If you have any doubts about your entitlements, please call in to our offices at the Lancaster or Kendal Auction Marts any time for friendly, professional advice. (There is plenty of free parking.) Alternatively, contact us to arrange a farm visit for a full assessment.

Single Payment Scheme
The Single Payment Scheme, introduced in 2005, is administered by the Rural Payments Agency for DEFRA. We have advised many clients on the scheme since its inception, helping ensure they protect their position and to keep up with the regulations and the paperwork. All SP5 forms have to be in by 15 May each year and we can make sure you maximise your entitlement by ensuring that your form is correctly completed. We can also help with the claims and appeals procedure should you be unhappy with the outcome - and with transfers under the SPS when land and/or entitlements are sold or let by using the RLE1 forms.

Environmental Stewardship Scheme
Environmental Stewardship is the Rural Development Service's most recent agri-environment scheme and it aims to encourage farmers and other land managers to practise effective environmental management. Payments are funded by modulation from the Single Payment Scheme. The three elements are:

Entry Level Stewardship (ELS)

• a whole farm scheme open to all farmers and land managers
• guaranteed acceptance to the scheme when you reach the required points target of 30 points per hectare
• a standard payment of £30 per hectare for five years

Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS)

• a whole farm scheme open to farmers who manage all or part of their land organically, who are not receiving aid under the Organic Aid Scheme or Organic Farming Scheme

Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)

• a discretionary scheme to be combined with ELS or OELS designed to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority areas.

Our team of rural professionals can offer advice and help you complete your applications to maximum benefit for your business.

Up-to-date information on the latest developments is always available on the News page of this website.

For information on Compulsory Purchase & Compensation, please visit the Other Services page of this website.