These Regulations amend the Common Agricultural Policy (Direct Payments etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (“the principal Regulations”), which make provision in Scotland for the administration of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p.608), and other associated EU regulations as referred to in regulation 2(1) of the principal Regulations.

The amendments made to the principal Regulations by regulation 2 make provision, in respect of the current calendar year, for an extended application window for applications for support under voluntary coupled support for ovine animals. Regulation 2 amends paragraph 6 of Part 2 of schedule 3 of the principal Regulations so that, in respect of calendar year 2017, the final date for submitting an application is 30th November. For all other calendar years the final date for submitting an application remains 16th October.

No business and regulatory impact assessment has been prepared for these Regulations as no impact upon business, charities or voluntary bodies is foreseen.