Local council worst for paying suppliers

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Tuesday, 20 September 2016 12:00

Newry, Mourne and Down district council is the worst in Northern Ireland for paying suppliers on time.

That's from a recent study by the Federation of Small Business.
The survey found that just eight per cent are paid within ten working days.
Compared to other councils, Newry, Mourne and Down come tenth out of eleven for paying suppliers within thirty days.
It follows an audit office report released this morning.
The recommendation was for councils to improve on their payment performance bringing it in line with central government.
It's understood the council has acknowledged the issue and is committed to addressing it.
FSB's Mairaid McMahon says it must change its mindset.

"Councils don't need to act in this way. Other councils have shown that it's quite possible to pay their suppliers much faster and it's not fair to expect small businesses to provide interest-free credit."