14/05/2026
Small businesses have welcomed new legislation aimed at curbing late payments, calling it a historic moment. The King’s Speech introduced measures that empower the Small Business Commissioner to investigate and fine firms that consistently delay payments. The Late Payments Bill enforces a maximum payment term of 60 days and mandates interest for late payments at 8% above the Bank of England’s base rate.
Responding to yesterday King’s Speech, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said “The formal commitment to legislation to stamp out late payments is an historic moment for small firms, who have spent years battling a culture of poor payment practices by big businesses towards their smaller suppliers. FSB worked closely with the Government to help shape these law changes and we’re grateful ministers have listened to the voice of small businesses.
“Late payment destroys thousands of viable small firms a year, damages growth, hits confidence, and keeps hardworking business owners up at night wondering how they will cover wages, bills, and tax payments. For too long, large businesses have used small suppliers as a free overdraft. That’s why FSB has fought hard for these changes and worked in partnership with the Government to make them happen.
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