Bill Quibbling

Hi,
I'm a service engineer working as a sole trader for the last 7 years. Over the last two months I've carried out a number of service jobs for a customer who has a previous history of slow payment(Over 70 days). On most jobs he acts as a 'middle man' to a larger regional BMS company who then bills the end client (In this case a care home chain). When pressed for payment of overdue invoices he made the excuse that his customer is refusing to pay for travel portions of my invoice. I know this is technically irrelevant as my contracts are with him also payment for the same type of work has previously been made without dispute (But late of course). The work has been ordered via email with order numbers & all my invoices request payment within 30 days to avoid statutory late payment charges. I have two questions. Can debtors introduce a 'disputed charge' to avoid payment and charges? Also am I entitled to charge for debt recovery compensation on each invoice? There's a big difference, the total debt is around £2000 but is made up of around 9 invoices, dated approx days apart.
Thanks, Trev

Yes, a customer can dispute charges - however to avoid compensation and interest under the legalisation, they will have had to show they paid the un-disputed amount of the invoice in 30 days.

They cannot withhold payment on the entire invoice - they should pay what they feel is owed and then resolve the disputed sum.