Government usually takes a long time --- but they will eventually pay [depending on your persistence].

And when they pay, and depending on who is "on power" at that time in that ministry or council - you may either be paid what you asked for - and it is 'taxed' by those who handle your cheques --- or you may be forced to accept a lot less, having cited that the job was 'over quoted'.

Having worked with them before, the government can be compared to a huge slow prehistoric giant, that:

> consumes alot of resources,
> moves very slowly, and
> has a very thick skin that no matter what you throw at it,
                                                                                       - it doesnt get insulted, it doesnt get hurt

:-)