Natural England - General mapping update queries
General mapping update queries
A Q&A for agreement holders
RLR related queries
Q1: When will I get my confirmatory maps?
A: Confirmatory maps are being sent out daily by Rural Payment Agency (RPA). During February, the RPA aims to send the remaining confirmatory maps to all farmers who requested changes to their maps before mid-January 2010.
Q2: How do I find out where my maps are within the RPA systems?
A: The RPA will not be able to tell you exactly what stage your map update is at. During February, the RPA aims to send the remaining confirmatory maps to all farmers who requested changes to their maps before mid-January 2010.
If you have not received a first map and have claimed SPS since 2007, or are in a current RDPE agreement and have not been inspected by the RPA, please contact the RPA Customer Service Centre on 0845 603 7777 and select the option for the Rural Land Register (RLR).
Q3: I didn’t respond to previous requests from the RPA and now realise that my map is wrong. What should I do?
A: The map data that the RPA issued to you is now being used by Natural England for Agri-Environment Schemes such as Environmental Stewardship.
If you now want to make changes to your maps, you need to let the RPA know about the changes by using the RMU1 form that was included in your Mapping Update map pack. This form can also be downloaded from the RPA Website.
If you are also intending to claim SPS in 2010 please note any changes you ask for after mid-January 2010 on an RMU1 form may not be taken into account on your SPS 2010 application form, therefore we recommend you keep a copy of any changes you make on your maps to include them on your SPS 2010 application.
Q4: I have already made changes to my RPA maps but I need to make some more changes, what should I do?
A: If you have already made changes to your maps and need to make further changes, please contact the RPA Customer Service Centre on 0845 603 7777
General ES queries
Q5: I want to enter an ES agreement and I haven’t had my confirmatory maps?
A: We recommend that you wait until you have agreed your RLR data with the RPA. If you don’t wait for your data to be agreed, there is a risk that we will have to return your application because of inaccuracies.
Q6: I’m still in discussions with the RPA about my maps but would like to enter ES now – what can I do?
A: If your field sizes are not agreed you need to wait until you have the parcel agreed or not include the field in your application. You will be able to add these parcels to your agreement once agreed.
Q7: What do I do if the maps are not correct when they come through with my ES application?
A: If the map in your application pack is incorrect, this will be because Natural England has not received the latest mapping changes from the RPA. So please contact the Natural England office which issued your application pack and tell them that your map is wrong. Natural England will provide you with a new pack, as soon as your mapping data has been received from the RPA.
Recovery queries
Q8: If my mapping changes show that I’ve been over-paid, will Natural England/RPA want to recover the money?
A: A decision has yet to be taken. However, we do appreciate that you may have concerns about this and, if we decide to recover over-payments, it will be done as sympathetically as possible, taking into account your particular circumstances.
ELS agreements
Q9: What happens if the mapping adjustments take me below my ELS points threshold?
A: You’ll be asked to make up your points. You will probably already be delivering points above your threshold (possibly up to 10% more) and you will be able to use these surplus points to make up any points lost from the mapping changes
Q10: Will I need to adjust my individual ELS options as a result?
A: Yes.
Q11: Will Natural England adjust my ELS agreement in line with any mapping changes?
A: Yes.
Q12: Does this count as my one amendment?
A: No, it will be classed as a ‘Natural England driven’ amendment.
Q13: I have a surplus of ELS points – can I count these against any reductions arising from the re-mapping?
A: Yes.
Q14: My mapping update has revealed that my land parcels are incorrect – I have been paid on the basis of too small an area of land. Can I get some more money?
A: No. We can only pay on the basis of your current claim. However, where mapping changes have increased your land parcel area, you will be able to receive an increased area payment in the future if this is relevant to your agreement. With ELS, the payment cannot exceed £30/ha so increases in parcel size could generate a new points threshold but you will need to deliver increased options as a result.