Are there rules about how public agencies must treat subcontractors?

Public contracts do not automatically give subcontractors special rights, but there are protections. If your work is construction work, the Construction Contracts Act 2002 gives you rights to make payment claims, to receive a payment schedule and to use adjudication to resolve payment disputes, and it also regulates the holding of retention money on trust for construction contracts. Government agencies and many councils also expect their suppliers to pay subcontractors promptly, and the Government Procurement Rules encourage fair payment practices. You can also raise the matter with the council, which may pursue the head contractor under the contract if it requires prompt payment. Send a formal payment claim that meets the statutory requirements, and take legal advice, since strict timeframes apply.