South East: HMRC support aids recession-hit firms

Businesses across the South East are increasingly taking up Government support to help them weather the economic downturn.

Last November the chancellor announced measures to allow businesses in temporary financial difficulties more time to pay their tax bills.

Latest figures show 35,460 agreements, worth £636m, have so far been reached with businesses in the South East.

This represents an increase from August when there were 28,430 agreements worth £500m.

South East regional minister Jonathan Shaw said: "These agreements give businesses which have short term cashflow problems more flexibility with their finance.

"The Business Payment Support Service - Time To Pay - agreements are part of a wider package of measures to help businesses facing financial difficulty as a result of the recession.

"I would also urge any business in difficulty to approach their local Business Link service for advice."

He added: "The economy is my main priority as Regional Minister. We cannot allow one business to go under because it was not aware of the support available.

"This is a region which has enjoyed great success, and which has the characteristics to see great success in the future."

A breakdown of the agreements made by area,:
Area: Total cases - Total £m value
Bracknell Forest 370 - 12
HAMPSHIRE 5,510 - 99
OXFORDSHIRE 2,870 - 48
Portsmouth 570 - 8
Reading 590 - 16
Slough 420 - 11
Southampton 630 - 10
SURREY 5,140 - 107
West Berkshire 770 - 22
Windsor and Maidenhead 820 - 15
Wokingham 630 - 14
South East Total 35,460 - 636