Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Another bright idea from Brussels ...

European Union plans to slap fines on councils and the NHS for paying their bills late could cost the taxpayer up to £600m the Local Government Association has warned.

The EU is considering proposals that the public sector should be fined for not paying bills to private companies within 30 days - even if the delay is the fault of the supplier failing to submit accurate invoices.

Whilst I fully agree that councils should pay their bills promptly, it is surely only right that the 30 day clock should not start ticking until proper invoices have been submitted. Also, I wonder why the EU isn't proposing to regulate the supermarkets some of whom impose 60, 90 or even 120 day payment terms on their suppliers?