CS Mid Tier Application Portal - Technical Issues Update
Members working on Countryside Stewardship using the Mid Tier On-Line system will be aware that there have been technical issues with the application portal on the Rural Payments Service: see our note of 12th July. The CAAV has been engaging with DEFRA and the RPA, providing examples of the problems encountered and pressing for a swift resolution. A series of system updates to the Rural Payments Service was made on Monday evening (17th July), now found to have enabled a number of applications to continue. Other issues remain with a continuing programme of work and updates to resolve them.
We have been advised by the RPA of the following practical points for those looking to submit a CS Mid Tier application this year:
- The on-line application system requires RLE1 forms to be ‘front loaded’ – that is, changes to land parcels and land use need to be made before an application is opened. Where an RLE1 form is still required to make a change ahead of applying for CS Mid Tier in 2023, the form should be sent to the RPA with ‘CS Mid Tier 2023’ or a similar form of words in the e-mail subject line. This will allow them to be given priority.
- Those intending to make applications for CS Mid Tier in 2023 should not be deterred from starting applications because of the technical issues with the application system. They also should not hesitate to flag by e-mail to the RPA problems found in working on applications.
- Applicants are advised to:
- take their applications as far as they can within the system
- then, where they encounter an error, to report it to the RPA with some detail of the problem.
We have been told that no applicant will be disadvantaged by technical errors within the application portal.
Not all problems found are system problems. Those handling applications are advised to familiarise themselves with the detailed guidance for submitting an application in 2023 as this may prevent delays later in the process.