Thanks for the replies, very helpful. I had no idea they had changed the renewal process, but then I had never let the rating lapse before.
My SEP rating lapsed in June 2012, so I'm within the 3 years and my JAA (now EASA) licence is still valid till 2016. Of course I'm a bit rusty due to not being able to fly GA where I am, so I was going to take a few lessons anyway to get back into it, but good to know I have to do a "course".
Hopefully I'll be current again soon!