On Wednesday 30th July, the UK Government announced a landmark consultation on tackling the widespread issue of late payments, a challenge that continues to put immense pressure on small businesses and one that has plagued specialist flooring contractors for decades. The link to the consultation is below and we would like to encourage members to submit a response:
Late payments: tackling poor payment practices - GOV.UK
Consultation Summary: Government are seeking views on legislative measures which address late, long and disputed business-to-business payments, and the use of retention clauses in construction contracts. This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 23 October 2025
This is our industry's opportunity to give Goverment a loud and clear message that current payment practices cannot continue.
We would ask that if any CFA members do submit a response please could you let us know, including a summary of your response - please email to info@cfa.org.uk.
CFA will also be submimtting a response and woudl like to ensure we reflect a consensus of members views.
In yesterday's Government press release it states that this will be the most significant crackdown on late payments in a generation, forming part of its wider Plan for Change. The reforms aim to address an issue that reportedly costs the UK economy £11 billion annually and contributes to the closure of 38 businesses every single day.
Highlights include:
This move signals a renewed commitment to fairer payment practices and a stronger foundation for small businesses.
Read the full press release here Time to pay up: Toughest crackdown on late payments in a generation unveiled in plan to back small businesses - GOV.UK
