How we pay suppliers
Payment terms are normally set out in the contract documents and standard terms and conditions. Depending on the type of work, they may be annual, quarterly or monthly payments or payment on completion.
Unless separately negotiated and agreed the council will pay any invoice within 30 days of receipt of a correct invoice. Where requested, the council will pay small and medium enterprises (SMEs)* within 20 days of receipt of a correct invoice.
To ensure that your payment is dealt with efficiently (and to avoid delays) we ask for the following:
- submit the invoice in the format agreed in the contract or purchase order;
- quote the order number and contract title;
- address it to the correct officer and location;
- ensure that it adds up correctly;
- include as much information as possible about what payment is for;
- and only include requests for payment of supplied goods or services.
The council makes payment by BACS in order to ensure that payment goes directly into the supplier’s bank account. It is important that suppliers ensure they provide the correct bank details and invoice information in order to be paid on time.
*EU Definition of SME
| Enterprise category |
Headcount |
Turnover |
or Balance sheet total |
| Micro |
<10 |
<=£1.7m |
<=£1.7m |
| Small |
<50 |
<=£8.5m |
<=£8.5m |
| Medium sized |
<250 |
<=£42.5m |
<=£36.7m |
Contact details:
Chris Barber
Deputy Chief Finance Officer
Phone: 01284 757241
Email: chris.barber@stedsbc.gov.uk
