With all the fuss engulfing politicians he met with on holiday, Lord Mandelson's announcement in his committee appearance yesterday that councils should pay up bills with small businesses show within 10 days reminds us of his day job.

In front of the business select committee, Mandelson said councils should follow the lead of central government, which announced it would aim to fulfil this yesterday. So, central government again frames itself as the pace setter.

But are councils slow at paying their bills? A man at the LGA claims not, saying: "councils want to do everything in their power to help small businesses." He adds that councils offer small business relief and SMEs can even apply for a grant to spruce up shopfronts. He does admit take-up is low which is puzzling. He thought business might not realise local government also has grants to help out. Maybe a local government campaign to highlight the financial relief offered by councils would be timely?