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Written question asked by Imogen Walker (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 October 2026. It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Friday, 16 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.


Small Businesses: Hamilton and Clyde Valley

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of late payments on small businesses in Hamilton and Clyde Valley constituency.

Answer

No specific assessment has been made of the potential impact of late payments on SME across Hamiliton and Clyde Valley.

Late payments cost the UK economy £11bn per year and cause the closure of the equivalent of 38 UK businesses every day.

The Commercial Payments Bill is the most significant legislation tackling late payments in over 25 years. It expands the powers of the Small Business Commissioner, mandates statutory interest on late payments at 8% above the Bank of England base rate and introduces maximum payment terms for larger businesses; giving the UK the strongest legal framework on late payments in the G7.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
30168
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Debts Billing Small businesses Hamilton and Clyde Valley
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk