Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what contingency plans the Rural Payments Agency has put in place to process late applications before the window for claims closes in mid-May 2015.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has developed a network of support including the Rural Payments helpline (which can be contacted on 0300 0200 301) which is currently helping farmers and landowners to register and start building their claim before the deadline of 15 May. In addition, there are 50 support centres throughout England where farmers can book a session with an RPA expert who will help them to get online. Similar face to face help is available via a number of trusted third parties, such as charities and local community groups, throughout England.