Reply to: p2psupport@enfield.gov.uk
Date: 26 February 2026
Dear Supplier,
Purchase Order Changes – Financial Year 2026/27
We are transitioning to a new purchase order (PO) and invoicing system which will affect you.
To avoid any payment issues, ensure you share the information below with the appropriate teams within your organisation, including any third-party or outsourced invoicing providers.
PO changes – financial year 2026/27
For this financial year end FY25/26 all PO’s will be closed – No open purchase orders will carry forward into the new financial year.
- All existing purchase orders will be closed by 31 March 2026
- From 7 April 2026, new POs will be issued covering the period 1 April to 30 September 2026 only
Arrangements for POs from October 2026 when we transition onto our new system will be confirmed shortly.
If you provide regular services and invoice the council on a monthly/quarterly basis, you may receive more than one purchase order during 2026/27 – these will cover what would normally be a full year of supply. This does not affect contract validity.
Invoicing arrangements
- Submit invoices for service up to the end of March by 20 March 2026
- From April 2026, ensure invoices quote the new PO numbers issued from April 2026
- Invoices submitted with old PO numbers may be delayed or returned
Arrangements for invoicing from October 2026 will be confirmed shortly.
Actions you need to take
- Ensure your accounts payable / billing teams are aware of these changes
- Ensure any external invoicing agents or shared service centres are aware of these changes
- Submit invoices for service up to the end of March by 20 March 2026
- Ensure your systems can recognise shorter-duration POs during 2026/27
Failure to follow the updated arrangements may result in payment delays.
Further information
Further guidance, including arrangements from October 2026 will be shared shortly.
If you have any questions, contact your usual council service contact in the first instance.
Thank you for your cooperation as we undertake this important system change.
Kind Regards
Jeanne Harkins
Head of Exchequer Services
FAQ’s for Suppliers
1. Why did Enfield Council send this letter?
Enfield Council is getting a new purchase order (PO) and invoicing system. Because of this, some things are changing.
2. What is changing with purchase orders?
All existing POs will be closed at the end of March 2026. No open purchase orders will carry forward to the new financial year.
3. Will I get a new purchase order?
Yes, from 7 April 2026, new PO numbers will be issued.
4. How can I get my new purchase order?
Your usual council service contact will ensure a new PO is raised and sent to you.
5. When should I send my invoices for services up to the end of March 2026?
To ensure invoices are settled and paid for work completed by the end of March, send the invoice by 20 March 2026.
6. I have an outstanding invoice that is due for payment before the end of March 2026, who should I contact?
Speak with your council service contact that would have raised the purchase order.
7. I am not sure if I have any outstanding invoices that are due for payment, who should I contact?
Speak with your council service contact that would have raised the purchase order.
8. What happens if I do not send an invoice in time by 20 March 2026?
Speak with your council service contact that raised the purchase order for you. If we receive a late invoice and cannot process this and make payment by 31 March 2026, the purchase order will be closed.
A new PO will be issued to you from 7 April, and you will be requested to re-raise the invoice, quoting the new PO number. The new invoice will be used to process the payment.
9. How long will the new POs last?
The new POs will cover 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026 only.
10. What about after September 2026?
We are planning to roll out our new system from October 2026. We will tell you more later about what happens.
11. Why might I get more than one PO this year?
If you send invoices every month or every few months, you might get more than one PO. One to cover the period 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026 and another from October 2026 when we move to our new system.
Your contract remains unaffected.
12. What PO number should I use from April 2026?
From April 2026, you must use the new PO numbers. Do not use the old ones.
13. What happens if I use an old PO number?
Your invoice quoting the old PO number may not be paid and returned.
14. Who should I tell about these changes?
You should tell:
- your billing team
- your finance team
- anyone else who sends invoices for you
15. What else do I need to do?
Make sure your systems can recognise shorter POs during 2026/27.