§ Brian CotterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many small businesses have received assistance from the Inland Revenue's Business Support Teams in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [119447]
235W
§ Dawn Primarolo[holding answer 16 June 2003]: The Inland Revenue set up its Business Support Teams in 1999 to provide help and support to businesses and employers, particularly new and small businesses, on dealing with income tax and national insurance contributions, and payroll matters.
In 2000–01 they assisted:
Number Employers with fewer than 10 employees 37,565 Employers with 10 or more employees 25,131 Businesses 7,539 Prospective businesses 1,815 In addition, 37,547 individuals representing both employers and businesses attended technical presentations given by Business Support Teams.
In 2001–02 they assisted:
Number Employers with fewer than 10 employees 41,652 Employers with 10 or more employees 20,280 Businesses 20,891 Prospective businesses 3,568 In addition, 45,767 individuals representing both employers and businesses attended technical presentations given by Business Support Teams.
In 2002–03 they assisted:
Number Employers with fewer than 10 employees 40,839 Employers with 10 or more employees 18,135 Businesses 36,074 Prospective businesses 5,318 In addition, 64,418 individuals representing both employers and businesses attended technical presentations given by Business Support Teams.