Shared services consortium overpaid contractors to the tune of £4.3 million following delays to an SAP-based automated payments system.

SouthWest One used a software program called SAP to pay the suppliers to Avon and Somerset Police, the county council and Taunton Deane Borough Council.

Delays in the automated system resulted in SouthWest One staff sending out cheques to prevent further delays.

The firm's spokesman said more than 95% of the money owed had been recovered.