ELS Online - System Availability and Software Upgrades
Scheduled system downtime
IMPORTANT INFORMATION : Due to a system upgrade, ELS Online will not be useable for submissions from 19.00 on the 5th September 2008 to 09.00 on the 8th September 2008.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Upcoming Software Upgrades
As you may already be aware, the Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) Scheme has recently undergone some changes following the change to the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) at the start of 2007. This has meant that the Handbooks and Online Guidance have had to be reviewed and brought up to date with these changes.
The new handbooks and guidance are due to be released at the start of September (2008); meaning that any ELS Applications received from 1st September onwards will have to comply with the new Scheme Rules.
For ELS Online customers, a new version of the ELS Online Software will need to be downloaded from our website once the changes have been made. This will automatically update the options and guidance, bringing it in line with the new scheme rules and regulations.
ELS Online customers will be notified by email and the website will be updated when the new software is available.
What do I need to do now?
- Make sure that you submit any outstanding Online Applications* by 31st August 2008 if you want them to be under the old scheme rules. Applications submitted after this date will be under the new scheme rules, meaning that the applicant must have read the new guidance before the application is processed.
- Keep checking the ELS Online web pages for updates – we will let you know when you need to download the new version of the software (this will be following the 8th September).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Will downloading a new version of the software affect any current applications that I have on my software?
A No – all your applications will remain on your Application Manager; however, you will need to make sure that any applications you have not yet submitted comply with the new scheme guidance.
Q If I have half-completed an application on my software can I submit it under the old rules?
A Yes – as long as you submit it to us before the 31st August 2008*.
Q What if I submit an application in the first week of September?
A We would like you to try to get outstanding applications in to us before the 31st August*. However, if this is not possible and you really want to submit within the first week of September, we will email you a PDF copy of the new handbook so that you can check that your application still complies with the new rules and confirm to us that you are willing for the application to be processed under the new handbook conditions.
If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
els.online@naturalengland.org.uk
or on 01905 362 700, 01905 362 709 or 01905 362 711.
Note:
* Applications received must be fully correct and valid – if there are any problems or outstanding documents (eg Agent’s Forms etc), then the application will be held up and given a later start date; which will mean that it will fall under the new scheme rules and regulations.
Known issues
Please be aware that unfortunately, the online system cannot currently support applications over 100km2. If your farm exceeds 100km2 then I’m afraid you will need to use the paper application system.
Because of the recent Moorland Line/ LFA changes impacting the ELS Scheme payments on disadvantaged land; any land classed as LFA is not currently available for download using the ELS Online software. A paper ELS application will need to be requested instead.
Page last modified:
27 August, 2008
Page published: 7 December, 2006