Jamie Reed MP for Copeland had recently asked a parliamentary question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to whether he plans to offer deadline extensions for tax due by businesses affected by flooding in Cumbria.

His response:

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.