Documentation to support suppliers in tendering. The Council makes payment by BACS, Cheque, or purchasing card.

The contract management process will feed into the payment process. The use of BACS ensures that the payment goes directly into the contractors / suppliers bank account. BACS is the Council's preferred method and can be linked to a facility to receive remittance advices by email. Purchasing cards can be used if possible to speed up the payment process if this method is available.

Payment terms are normally set out in the contract documents. They may be stage payments, annual / quarterly / monthly payments, payment on completion, or payment per purchase order.

Payment is made within 30 days of receipt of a correct invoice, unless otherwise agreed. Payment within 3 to 5 days is possible; however, suppliers must have the ability to take VISA purchasing cards.

To ensure that your payment is dealt with efficiently and to avoid delays, please ensure that you:

• submit the invoice in the format agreed in the contract;
• quote the order number and / or contract title;
• address it to the correct officer and location;
• ensure that it is mathematically correctly;
• include as much information as possible about what the payment is for;
• only include requests for payment of supplied goods or services.