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Brown 'broke pledge' on pay for small firms
Joe Murphy, Political Editor18.12.08
GORDON Brown was today accused of breaking a pledge to protect struggling small firms from slow-paying government departments.
A survey of London firms by the Federation of Small Businesses found that only nine per cent said the wait had been shortened while 14 per cent said they were actually being kept waiting for longer.
The majority, 58 per cent, said things had "stayed the same" when dealing with Whitehall bodies. In October the Prime Minister promised the public sector would give a strong lead to industry by pledging to pay all contracts "as soon as possible" but to give smaller firms a guarantee of payment within ten days.
Shadow chancellor George Osborne said the findings showed the Prime Minister had failed to honour his commitment. But a Government spokesman insisted departments were making great efforts to pay suppliers faster.
Reader views (9)
What's so special about small firms? He does that to everyone.
- Rogan, Irving
Why is this pledge any different to the rest he has made over the last 11 years?
- Harvey Lawrence, london
The man has made a career out of lying to the public, he simply can't help himself. It's what comes of spending too much time with Mandlieson and his ilk.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster
VAT returns used to come with a prepaid return envelope. We now have to add postage. So much for helping small business. Time for Gordon to take his fat cat pension and stop helping us all.
- Rukidding, London
Great quote from today's London Metro:
'Recession' is when your neighbour loses their job
'Depression' is when you lose your job
'Recovery' is when Gordon Brown loses his job
Bring on the election Gordon!!
- Malcolm, London
Has he kept his word on anything?
- William, London
this just sums up the current government - all talk and nothing else. For the last 3 months, probably more, they have been telling us about how they're going to meet with the energy companies and get them to reduce their prices. Let's be honest, these guys don't have a problem with high fuel costs, high petrol costs, high food prices etc etc, they probably claim back all of these on their exorbitant expenses, so what do they care. They don't live in the real world or struggle to make ends meet like the rest of the population
- David, London
Not surprising. "BROWN" is full of the brown stuff you avoid stepping on. Say's anything to look good but never comes up with the goods. Better watch, they'll be knocking at my door next for an arrest !!!
- Alec, West London
As a moderate sized private sector company we have noticed absolutely no difference in local government payment regimes. 30 - 90 days remains the norm and only that after endless chasing for our dues.
The frustration we feel about the smug public sector pen pushers, who would be out on strike if their wages were handled in the same way as they process payment to private suppliers, is doubtless shared by many.
- Mark, Bournemouth England
