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<p>The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) took on responsibility for Environmental Stewardship
and Countryside Stewardship schemes in October 2018, and has introduced a number of
measures on agri-environment schemes to make it easier for farmers and land managers
to apply and make it simpler for them to administer.</p><p> </p><p>The RPA has made
improvements to the online service, including making more offers available to apply
for online and allowing applicants to download application packs. It has simplified
both the rules regarding the evidence we require and the guidance manuals. In addition
the RPA has made changes to the processing cycle which has reduced completion times
for applications, agreements, claims and payments.</p><p> </p><p>Looking forward we
are considering ways to drive further online uptake, make improvements to the information
on GOV.UK, and whether there are further simplifications we can make to the scheme
to support the transition to a new Environmental Land Management Scheme, subject to
exit negotiations and funding.</p>
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