Prompt Payment of Invoices

Given the above commitment, the Council is now seeking to join with a number of other public and private sector organisations in attaining an “approved signatory” status for the recently established Prompt Payment Code.

The Code requires approved signatories to:

• Pay suppliers on time
  • Within the terms agreed at the onset of the contract;
  • Without attempting to change payment terms retrospectively;
  • Without changing practice on length of payment for smaller companies on unreasonable grounds.
• Gives clear guidance to suppliers
  • Providing suppliers with clear and easily accessible guidance on payment procedures;
  • Ensuring there is a system for dealing with complaints and disputes which is communicated to suppliers;
  • Advising them promptly if there is any reason why an invoice will not be paid to the agreed terms.
• Encourages good practice
  • By requesting that lead suppliers encourage adoption of the code throughout their own supply base.