Changes close to SAF deadline could cause confusion

NFU Scotland has raised its concerns with Scottish Government after it emerged that a significant number of businesses submitting a Single Application Form have been issued with mapping changes just days before the deadline.

In an unsatisfactory move, some businesses that received a land inspection in 2018 have started receiving letters and revised maps from Scottish Government this week – just as the SAF 2019 is about to close on 15 May.

An estimated 1150 land inspections were undertaken in 2018, the majority of which resulted in very few or no adjustment to maps. However, others will have received significant changes to the maps associated with their application in 2018 and these new maps must be used for the 2019 SAF.

Scottish Government has informed NFUS that it is aware that some claimants receiving letters will be concerned about submitting their SAF 2019 and is keen to do all they can to help.   For those that received a land inspection in 2018 and have not yet received a map (or any 2019 claimant who has a concern regarding their SAF submission) then staff in the local SGRPID area offices have been asked to provide details of their inspection to assist in the completion of their SAF 2019.

However, SGRPID offices will be closed this weekend and will only reopen on Monday 13 May – two days before the SAF deadline.

NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick is one of those who has received revised maps in the past few days.  He said: “Delays in Scottish Government processing land inspection information from 2018 has created a worrying and inconsiderate situation where revised maps are only being issued a few days before the 2019 SAF deadline.

“The fact remains that the SAF application window closes on the 15 May and all claimants, including those with land inspections in 2018, must meet this deadline if they wish to avoid any deductions for late submission.

“Members have the comfort of knowing that, while obliged to stick to the 15 May deadline, limited changes to their 2019 SAF form that relate to new maps can still be made up until 31 May 2019 without penalty.  

“If anyone has a concern regarding the submission of their SAF 2019, particularly those who receive maps between now and 31 May, they should contact their local SGRPID area office for clarification.  Our experience at home was that the local office staff were exceedingly helpful in assisting my wife and I to complete our form.

“Scottish Government’s communication with those affected has been poor but this will be a very important issue for a significant number of claimants, and it is right and proper that NFUS makes people aware of the situation.”  

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006