Rural Land Changes service
In December 2023, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) launched a new digital service for customers to notify them of mapping changes. Rural Land Changes is an online method, which will replace the RLE1 form and reduce the length of time it takes the RPA to action submissions from customers. This means you can now request all changes to your digital maps online, using the Rural Payments service. This is the first in a series of changes the RPA will be making to digitally transform their mapping and land processes.
Query Service
In addition to the Rural Land Changes service, there is also a new function on RPA online to allow you to send queries directly to the RPA for any business that you hold relevant permissions for on the RPA system.
This provides an alternative to sending emails or calling the RPA and could be particularly useful for agents or other individuals who look after more than one business. All queries are saved, and responses are received directly through the online portal in reply to your message.
Applying for schemes
These changes are particularly important for farmers who want to apply for schemes as it will enable them to quickly inform the RPA of mapping changes ahead of any application they may wish to make. For example, the Sustainable Farming Incentive or Countryside Stewardship both require mapping to be correct before you can apply.
The Rural Land Changes service can be used to add new land, merge parcels, alter land cover and more. It also makes it possible to view a history of mapping change requests that have been made using the online service. This tool will handle it all, delivering mapping change requests within a fraction of the time it currently takes.
Current RLE1 forms
The RPA will continue to accept paper RLE1 forms for those people who need to use them, but they will also be encouraging customers to make use of the online service. The option to email RLE1s to the RPA will also be removed as the new online service replaces this function.
What do farmers need to do now?
To use the Rural Land Changes service, farmers need to make sure everyone connected to their business has the right permissions in the Rural Payments service.
Find out more at: Make changes to your rural land maps online or get an RLE1 form – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For further help and advice, please contact our Agricultural Compliance Team on 01981 590514.
