To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what proportion of invoices from suppliers his Department paid within 10 days of receipt in November and December 2009. (311203)

The Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) paid 99.9 per cent. (which was rounded to 100 per cent. by DWP when they reported on DCSF performance) of invoices to suppliers within 10 days of receipt in November 2009 and 98 per cent. within 10 days of receipt in December 2009.

This is based on information supplied by the Department for Work and Pensions who process invoice payments on behalf of DCSF.

Note:

DCSF moved to a new ERP system under a Shared Services agreement with DWP in November 2009 and special payment arrangements were operated by DWP and DCSF during transition.

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the average length of time taken by his Department to pay invoices from (a) small and medium-sized enterprises and (b) all creditors in the last 12 months. (315066)

The Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) paid 98 per cent. of invoices to suppliers within 10 days of receipt in December 2009 (This is based on information supplied by the Department for Work and Pensions who process invoice payments on behalf of DCSF).

These figures are for all creditors, including payments to small and medium-sized enterprises. While aiming to pay SMEs as soon as possible, and within 10 days, Departments and their agencies have agreed to bring forward payments to all businesses, given the role of larger businesses in the supply chain. This avoids complicating payment systems and potential competition or state aid issues.

Note:

DCSF moved to a new ERP system under a Shared Services agreement with DWP in November 2009 and special payment arrangements were operated by DWP and DCSF during transition.