The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the decision to offer tax assistance to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) hit by the recent flooding.
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs has said agreed to help businesses who will be encountering difficulty following the recent severe weather across the UK.
The FSB has also announced interest-free loans for its members from a £500,000 fund. The loans aim to give short-term help to struggling SMEs and are available through FSB regional offices.
A spokesman for the FSB has said that the assistance is gratefully received and could help to ensure many struggling businesses stay solvent as the flood waters diminish.
John Wright, FSB national chairman, said: "I would urge any business affected by the floods to ensure they get the help they can from their local tax office and any FSB member affected should contact their regional office."
ITV news reported today that Tim Brain, chief constable of Gloucestershire Police, has called for emergency services to waive the costs of the rescue efforts due to "the extraordinary nature of this emergency".
