21/10/2010
Builders Need Prompt Payment, Says SF
Builders awaiting payment for contracts they have completed for the various Stormont Departments are facing long delays in having their bill settled.
Foyle Sinn Fein (SF) MLA Martina Anderson is demanding new steps to ensure the prompt payment of building contractors who carry out work for public agencies.
She said this week: "I have been contacted by a number of local contractors who carried out grant-sided work for the NI Housing Executive.
"In many cases, they have been waiting at least four months to be paid and sometimes as much as six or seven months.
"Many small businesses rely on these contracts to survive - particularly in the current climate where there is little work available - but this delay in payment is putting them in real danger," she fumed.
"The recently revised Code of Practice relating to public clients and suppliers is supposed to guarantee the prompt payment of contractors.
"Clearly, that isn't happening if some builders are being forced to wait up to seven months to be paid," she continued.
"I have raised this issue with the Stormont Housing Minister and I would urge any contractors who are experiencing similar difficulties to contact my office," she said, noting that she would then raise their specific case with the Central Procurement Directorate, the organisation responsible for implementing the code of practice.
(BMcC/GK)
Foyle Sinn Fein (SF) MLA Martina Anderson is demanding new steps to ensure the prompt payment of building contractors who carry out work for public agencies.
She said this week: "I have been contacted by a number of local contractors who carried out grant-sided work for the NI Housing Executive.
"In many cases, they have been waiting at least four months to be paid and sometimes as much as six or seven months.
"Many small businesses rely on these contracts to survive - particularly in the current climate where there is little work available - but this delay in payment is putting them in real danger," she fumed.
"The recently revised Code of Practice relating to public clients and suppliers is supposed to guarantee the prompt payment of contractors.
"Clearly, that isn't happening if some builders are being forced to wait up to seven months to be paid," she continued.
"I have raised this issue with the Stormont Housing Minister and I would urge any contractors who are experiencing similar difficulties to contact my office," she said, noting that she would then raise their specific case with the Central Procurement Directorate, the organisation responsible for implementing the code of practice.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 2025
How Ni Businesses Are Adapting Payment Solutions To Capture A Larger Market
In today’s digital age, businesses in Northern Ireland are rapidly adapting their payment solutions to meet the evolving expectations of customers. With a shift towards convenience, security, and speed, businesses are adopting digital and alternative payment methods to capture a larger market share.
How Ni Businesses Are Adapting Payment Solutions To Capture A Larger Market
In today’s digital age, businesses in Northern Ireland are rapidly adapting their payment solutions to meet the evolving expectations of customers. With a shift towards convenience, security, and speed, businesses are adopting digital and alternative payment methods to capture a larger market share.
28 January 2025
Six Common Payment Methods In Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, payment methods reflect a mix of tradition and modern convenience. While cash is still widely used, digital payments are becoming more common, from small shops to larger businesses. Whether it’s tapping a card, making an online transfer, or using a mobile wallet, the options available are adapting to meet changing needs.
Six Common Payment Methods In Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, payment methods reflect a mix of tradition and modern convenience. While cash is still widely used, digital payments are becoming more common, from small shops to larger businesses. Whether it’s tapping a card, making an online transfer, or using a mobile wallet, the options available are adapting to meet changing needs.
20 November 2024
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
£17m To Support Pensioners Affected By Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £17 million fund to support pensioners who have lost eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment due to recent UK government changes. The one-off £100 payment will be automatically issued to an estimated 250,000 pensioners in around 170,000 households before the end of March 2025.
28 January 2022
Omicron Hospitality Payment Scheme Extended
The Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme will be extended to include hotels and certain sports clubs, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced. Under the scheme, following Executive agreement, hotels will be eligible for a one-off grant between £10,000 and £20,000 depending on their rateable value.
Omicron Hospitality Payment Scheme Extended
The Omicron Hospitality Payment scheme will be extended to include hotels and certain sports clubs, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has announced. Under the scheme, following Executive agreement, hotels will be eligible for a one-off grant between £10,000 and £20,000 depending on their rateable value.
18 January 2022
Omicron Hospitality Payment Package 'Falls Short'
The Executive's Omicron Hospitality Payment package does not support all businesses affected by the current restrictions, the Green Party NI's Rachel Woods MLA has said. The North Down MLA said: "The £40 million funding package announced before Christmas only involved a one-off grant to hospitality businesses.
Omicron Hospitality Payment Package 'Falls Short'
The Executive's Omicron Hospitality Payment package does not support all businesses affected by the current restrictions, the Green Party NI's Rachel Woods MLA has said. The North Down MLA said: "The £40 million funding package announced before Christmas only involved a one-off grant to hospitality businesses.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
