Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will introduce an instalment scheme to allow businesses in Cumbria affected by flooding to spread tax payments.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) operates a dedicated Severe Weather helpline to offer help and advice on any tax matters to those people and businesses affected by the recent flooding. The helpline is 0800 904 7900

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 8.00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, excluding bank holidays.

HMRC will also:

• consider instalment arrangements where customers are unable to pay as a result of the floods;
• agree a practical approach when individuals and businesses have lost vital records to the floods;
• suspend debt collection proceedings for those affected by the floods; and
• cancel penalties when the customer has missed statutory deadlines due to the floods.
  

  The helpline is in addition to other HMRC telephone contact numbers.