Introduction

This guidance tells you how to make a revenue claim for Countryside Stewardship (CS) in 2021.

Please read these notes carefully and use them to fill in your Countryside Stewardship (CS) revenue claim for 2021.

Please make sure you fill in the claim form fully and accurately and send any required supporting documents to:

Rural Payments Agency (Countryside Stewardship) PO Box 324 WORKSOP S95 1DF

Or, you can scan and email the completed claim form to: ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk. Make sure you put ‘Countryside Stewardship 2021 Revenue Claim’, in the subject title of the email. This will help us, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), progress your claim as quickly as possible.

Please put your SBI number, your claim number and your agreement reference number on everything you send to us.

Be aware of fraud

How to avoid fraud and what to do if you suspect an attempted fraud

Fraudsters may target farmers who receive subsidy payments and we’re aware that in the past some customers have received emails, texts and telephone calls claiming to be from RPA or Defra.

Links to a fake website designed to look like an authentic RPA or Defra online service are sometimes included in the message. We do not send emails or text messages with links to websites asking you to confirm your personal details or payment information. We strongly advise anyone who receives such a request not to open the link and delete the item.

As fraudsters may target farmers who receive subsidy payments, remember:

  • never discuss your bank account details with someone you do not know
  • we will not ask you to make a payment over the phone
  • delete any emails or texts you do not believe are genuine, and do not open any links – our main email addresses are:
  • be cautious about what information you share externally, particularly on social media.

If you suspect an attempted fraud or feel you have been the subject of fraud, you can contact:

  • RPA’s Fraud Referral Team on 0800 347 347 or FraudInConfidence@rpa.gov.uk
  • Action Fraud (the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime) on 0300 123 2040.