The CLA President, Henry Robinson, has commented on the recent news about Basic Payment Scheme applications.

He said: "It is disappointing that the industry is having to revert to a paper based system, but we are relieved that the RPA has listened to us and taken action before it is too late.

"The deadline extension to 15 June is good news and the immediate priority must be for the RPA to work with the CLA and other stakeholder organisations to ensure that claimants are now able to submit their application simply and efficiently, and that any delay to receipt of payment is avoided.

“There are a number of important practical questions regarding the new system which still need comprehensive answers. For example, what tolerances and thresholds will be in place to accommodate the inevitable slip-ups on the paper forms? When can claimants begin to submit their applications?

“We have been seeking clarity from Government on wider questions about CAP Reform which should not be lost over the coming weeks, such as the status of discussion on cross-border claims, whether entitlement transfers will still take six weeks to process, and the approach that will be taken to Dual Use claims.”