Written question asked by Anne Moffat (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 November 2009. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 23 November 2009 on behalf of the Treasury.

Business: Billing

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effect on small businesses of the time to pay measures.

Answer: The Business Payment Support Service was launched on 24 November 2008 to support viable businesses in temporary financial difficulties. Up to 15 November 2009, the service has agreed over 231,600 time to pay arrangements with businesses to spread tax payments of £4.07 billion.This has helped to support over 150,000 businesses, the vast majority of whom are small and medium sized, that employ an estimated 600,000 people. Over 90 per cent. of the value of arrangements is being paid in line with agreed instalments.Businesses tell us that they have found the service very helpful by giving them the breathing space they need and by helping them pay their tax bills in a managed and structured way with the full help and support of HM Revenue and Customs.

Secondary information