§ Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to improve the payment culture in local government; and if he will make a statement. [109832]
§ Ms Beverley HughesUnder the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999, authorities will be required to report annually their performance against specified national performance indicators. An indicator is included in respect of the percentage of undisputed invoices paid within 30 days, or mutually agreed terms. The Secretary of State has set targets for such payment of invoices of 95 per cent. for 2000–01, 97.5 per cent. for 2001–02 and 100 per cent. for 2002–03.