Tag Archives: Governmental

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News story: Basic Payment Scheme 2017 opens for applications

The 2017 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is now open for applications, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) announced today (1 March 2017).

By applying online through the Rural Payments service, farmers and agents can now quickly check and update existing personal and business details, as well as view and transfer land and entitlements.

RPA Interim Chief Executive Paul Caldwell said:

Last year a record 80% of applications were received online and we hope to increase this figure for 2017.

Help and support in applying for BPS is available every step of the way through our online guidance or at the end of the phone.

Apply now

From today, farmers and agents can complete their declarations and confirm all information before submitting their completed application online.

Anyone who applied online for the Basic Payment Scheme in 2016 will be emailed all they need to apply online for BPS in 2017. Those who did not apply online in 2016 and did not use an agent will soon be sent a paper form and guidance on how to apply online.

Support available from the RPA

Further support is available from RPA this year through useful ‘How to’ videos. Farmers and agents can find step-by-step guides on transferring land, transferring entitlements and a general overview of how to apply online.

BPS 2017 video

The application deadline for BPS 2017 is midnight on 15 May 2017.

Further guidance and scheme rules can be found on GOV.UK.

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HM Government • • •

People across Wales could benefit from change to care home charging

The Welsh Government’s five year plan, ‘Taking Wales Forward’, committed to more than doubling the capital limit used in charging for residential social care, from £24,000 to £50,000. If the regulations presented are passed by the Assembly, the limit will move to £30,000 from 10th April this year – increasing in phases up to £50,000 thereafter.

Minister for Social Services and Public Health, Rebecca Evans, is today encouraging individuals who may benefit from the change, or their families, to contact their local authority. 

Rebecca Evans said:

“People who need residential care and who have capital over a certain amount are required to use this to pay for the full cost of their stay. 

“This Government is committed to supporting older people, and those requiring care, which is why our five year plan ‘Taking Wales Forward’, pledged to significantly increase this capital limit. This frees up more of people’s money for them to use as they wish.

“From 10th April people who require residential care and have capital up to the new amount of £30,000, will not have to use this to pay for their care. Instead their local authority will be responsible for funding their care, only charging a contribution based on a person’s available income.

“As people who pay for the full cost of their residential care usually have private arrangements in place with their care home, local authorities will often be unaware of how much capital individuals have.  I am therefore encouraging anybody who thinks they, or a family member, may benefit from the change to contact their local authority.

“People do not need to wait until the 10th April to do this. Individuals can contact their local authority now, to check whether they might benefit and prepare everything ready for the change in April.”

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Welsh Government • •