HM Revenue & Customs’ (HMRC) Business Payment Support Service has allowed 20,000 businesses across the country to avoid paying their tax in the last six weeks.

The scheme, which was announced at the Pre-Budget Report and launched last November, gives businesses the chance to pay all their HMRC taxes, including PAYE, National Insurance Contributions and VAT through affordable payment timetables.

Financial secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Timms, said: “This is providing real help to businesses across the whole country. I am delighted that HMRC has been able to help more than 20,000 businesses so far. This new scheme is helping businesses to stay open and keep their staff in jobs.

“I urge any business facing financial difficulty in these challenging economic times to pick up the phone and speak to an HMRC adviser. Short call phone call could save hard working businesses time and money.”

HMRC claims to able to make a decision in about 10 minutes. Details: www.hmrc.gov.uk