Late payments: the local authority’s responses
Following several warnings and the postponement of an initial meeting, a delegation from FIPCOM-MEDEF Saint-Martin, the CCISM and the Construction Industry Association was received on 12 August by President Louis Mussington and the Director-General of Services, Natacha Pétrine. On the agenda were late payments for public contracts, administrative bottlenecks and delays in funding linked to ERDF funds.
The meeting, which was also attended by Second Vice-President Bernadette Davis and technical staff from the Collectivité, revisited the points set out at the FIPCOM press conference – MEDEF on 31 July (see our edition of 12 August 2026) and provided yet another opportunity to highlight the urgency of the situation and its direct consequences for the local economy.
The President acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and affirmed his commitment to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with economic stakeholders, improving communication between businesses and public authorities, taking the necessary measures to improve regulations, and providing regular updates at future meetings.
Between intention and reality
As a reminder, at the Territorial Council meeting in June 2025, the DGS had already acknowledged shortcomings and announced that “a number of procedures to improve payment times” were being put in place, notably the widespread adoption of the Chorus Pro platform. It had also stated that “by the end of 2025, businesses will be paid on time”.
A year later, several measures have once again been announced: the appointment of a dedicated point of contact for businesses on Mondays and Tuesdays via email; the urgent processing of pending purchase orders and service orders; prioritising claims under €50,000, improving invoice tracking, and seeking financing solutions, notably with the BPI (factoring) and the AFD (ERDF funding). But payment means cash flow. The Local Authority is due to vote on its supplementary budget in September and is counting on future revenue, once the new financial year begins, to replenish its coffers.
Furthermore, it is considering engaging an external service provider to improve the process. A decision that raises eyebrows: beyond the additional cost, it calls into question the role of the local authority’s internal departments.
An initial deadline has been set for 15 September, involving the formalisation of a clear procedure for processing invoices, the appointment of a point of contact and an initial update on the adjustments underway. A monthly follow-up meeting between the Collectivité and economic representatives is also to be established.
Following the meeting, FIPCOM–MEDEF Saint-Martin commended the quality and candour of the discussions, as well as the commitments made. It will, however, remain vigilant regarding their effective implementation, given the urgency of the situation for businesses.
