Concern about paymentdelays because of cuts

The Isle of Wight branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has expressed concern at Isle of Wight Council proposals to cut the number of staff responsible for processing invoices.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Feb 2016, 06:19 BST

Updated 18th Feb 2016, 09:59 BST

FSB, which represents more than 900 businesses on the island, fears that micro and small businesses would suffer if the staff reduction meant it took the authority longer to process the invoices of local companies.

The proposed staffing reduction, to be considered by the council at its budget meeting on February 24 would save the authority £40,000 next year.

Norman Arnold, FSB Isle of Wight vice-chair, said: ‘Everyone knows that the council is facing severe financial challenges but they are not alone. ‘here are businesses on the Island who are also experiencing tough times and it is essential to their survival that they are able to be paid promptly.

‘There will be many businesses across the Island who will be very concerned at this proposal unless it can be clearly shown that the planned cuts will not affect the length of time it will take the council to pay its bills to local companies.’

Isle of Wight