MONMOUTHSHIRE Council has failed to pay more than 700 businesses, charities and organisations, within the 90- day target set by the Welsh Government.

Figures from the Data Unit Wales revealed that it is the second worst council of the 22 in Wales for paying its invoices within at least 90 days.

From April 2011 to date, 768 businesses, charities and organisations have waited for more than three months to receive payment, with many facing even longer delays.

Among the local organisations on the list are Washbournes, Chepstow Mencap, Chepstow Comprehensive, Chepstow RFC, Chepstow Bookshop, Chepstow Agricultural Society, Monmouthshire Golf Clubs, Undy Village Hall, Bridges Community Club, Abergavenny Farm Supplies, and the recently closed St Arvans Playgroup. Other organisations include Gwent Hospitals, The Welsh Ambulance Service, Welsh Water, British Gas and John Lewis Travel.

Numerous residential nursing homes, construction suppliers, recruitment agencies and commercial vehicle suppliers are also included on the list.

The list also details the council’s failure to pay a large number of local and national charities including Save the Children, BAAF Cymru, Age Concern and the British Red Cross.

Chepstow Cllr Jacqui Sullivan who owns Artists Corner along with her husband, Steve, was just one of the businesses that failed to be paid on time.

She said: “As a small business owner myself I understand the importance of making sure you have a consistent cashflow and are able to manage your books punctually.

“More than ever, businesses just cannot run the risk of not receiving payment on time and MCC needs to seriously address this before many are put off working for them.”

Cabinet member of finance Cllr Philip Murphy, asked for reasons at a full council meeting, said: “I accept this is a regrettable position to be in and although I can’t answer exactly why this is happening, I can only suggest that back office staff are not processing invoices quickly enough.”

He added: “We are a leading council in Wales for supporting businesses and it certainly isn’t fair on the people who are not being paid on time.”