An upgrade of financial systems at Vale of White Horse DC led to non-payment of bills and late payment of salaries and allowances. The council was threatened with legal action by its electricity supplier over its failure to pay up, after several changes to its financial systems. The upgrade, by Capita, was designed to boost the council's efficiency. ‘Most of the system transfers which have taken place since last summer have been very successful. ‘Unfortunately, the upgrade to our financial management system in April has led to some problems which has resulted in the late payment of some invoices,' a council spokesman said. Last month council staff and councillors discovered salaries and member expenses had not been paid on time. Most non-payments were rectified within hours. ‘Because Capita was responsible for the upgrade it is meeting the costs of resolving the problems,' the spokesman added. ‘The council is committed to its ground-breaking partnership with Capita, which has led to major investment in financial services while, at the same time, saving the council and council taxpayers in the Vale more than £100,000 a year for at least seven years.'
