Abrahams laments lack of action on late pay

OLDHAM MP Debbie Abrahams has branded the Government’s response to a late payments inquiry as “disappointing” and “lacking urgency and conviction”.

The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP chaired a cross-party meeting to examine the effect of late payments on small businesses and recommend improvements.

But the Government’s response called for more feedback on corporate responsibility and a pledge to work with the Institute of Credit Management - to give businesses advice on managing cashflow.

Mrs Abrahams said: “The Government’s response to the report doesn’t appear to recognise that late payments reflect an unethical business culture. Nor does it respond specifically to many of the recommendations.

“The Government has done nothing concrete during three and a half years in office to help SMEs in relation to late payment.

“Its response has no sense of urgency or conviction about it and will leave SMEs wondering if the Government really understand the issue at all.”

The Forum of Private Business is also unhappy with the Government’s response. Chief executive Phil Orford said: “Late payment remains a real problem for members; we are disappointed the Government hasn’t committed to taking some of the practical steps the report recommended to combat it.”