The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has temporarily closed the stand-alone Capital Grants scheme to new applications as of 27th November 2024, following what we have been led to understand is ‘exceptionally high demand’. The RPA have stated that applications received between May and November were 42% higher than the total for the previous financial year.
We understand that the Capital Grant offer is expected to remain closed until early to mid-2025 so that funding can be prioritised for schemes with the greatest benefit to food security and nature conservation. In early 2025, the RPA will provide a detailed update, including revised processes, eligibility criteria, and new application opportunities which reinforces that this is a temporary suspension only.
Applicants with submissions awaiting agreement offers will be being notified by email that their applications are on hold. The RPA will contact all pending applicants in early 2025 with further guidance.
Payments for live agreements will continue as usual and we encourage all agreement holders to proceed with planned work, submitting Capital Claims as scheduled. We understand the majority of these claims are still being processed within a 6–8-week timescale. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) remains open for new applications therefore if you are interested in discussing the SFI scheme and funding options in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact the Rural Professional team on 01364 646170.
