Revenue & Customs has helped more than 20,000 businesses delay more than £350m of tax with the use of its Business Payment Support Service. The new service helps businesses by setting up affordable payment timetables and to help with taxes including PAYE, national insurance and VAT. It was introduced as part of the Pre-Budget Report. Stephen Timms, the financial secretary to the Treasury, said the new scheme is helping keep businesses afloat and staff in their jobs. 'I urge any business facing financial difficulty in these challenging economic times to pick up the phone and speak to a Revenue adviser. A short phone call could save hard working businesses time and money,' he said. The Revenue said it would make a decision in around 10 minutes in the majority of cases of businesses that are unable to pay their tax.