Businesses given time to pay by HMRC

Around £16.2m of business tax has been rescheduled by businesses in the North West as a direct result of a quick call to the new HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Business Payment Support Service (BPSS).

This service was announced in the Chancellor's pre Budget statement on 24 November and opened to business nationwide on the same day.

HMRC staff on this fast track service have been busy talking to businesses in the North West which need extra time to pay their tax bills due to the current difficult economic circumstances.

This is a fast and streamlined service that enables businesses to speak directly with an advisor to agree an affordable timetable without incurring any extra charges, saving hard working businesses time and money.

Financial Secretary to the Treasury Stephen Timms MP said: "We are determined to do everything we can to support business through these testing times and I would strongly encourage any business anticipating difficulties paying their taxes to call HMRC's Business Payment Support Service.

"This service is making a real difference for businesses across the country and I am very pleased that HMRC has been able to provide support to over 360 businesses in the North West."