Between purchases, consumption, supplies, maintenance, staff training and energy expenses in 2023 the State incurred a total cost of 122 billion euros, but once again it was unable to honor all the economic commitments made with its suppliers. The public administration’s commercial debts continue to amount to around 50 billion euros, an amount that has been practically the same for at least 5 years. Small businesses are the most penalized.
This is what the research office of the CGIA of Mestre found. In commercial transactions with private companies, the PA settles invoices for larger amounts within the legal deadlines, but intentionally delays the settlement of those with smaller amounts, penalizing companies supplying goods and services with low volumes. For some time now, a new practice has been consolidated, implemented by many public managers, including those of companies linked to the regions and local authorities, who unilaterally decide when suppliers must issue the invoice.
If the latter do not comply with this provision, working for this institution/company in the future will be difficult. By giving authorization to issue the invoice only when the administration has the money to pay it, these public structures are able to respect the payment deadlines, thus circumventing the provisions of the law. Southern municipalities are the worst payers.
Although the situation has improved in recent years, in 2023 the most critical situation was recorded in Naples. In the capital municipality of the Campania region, suppliers were paid 143 days late. Followed by Andria with 89.5 days late compared to the contractual deadline, Chieti with +61.8, Reggio Calabria with +54.8, Agrigento with +53.5 and Isernia with +53.
