Chancellor Alistair Darling recently presented the new 2009 pre-budget report.

With regards to the global recession and a general election looming the statement of this year has particular importance.

Key measures for businesses include a deferral on the planned 1% increase in corporation tax for small firms and an indefinite extension of the 'time to pay' scheme.

The cut in VAT will finish on 1st of January 2010 as planned, and the standard rate going back to 17.5%.

The stamp duty 'holiday' will come to an clost also at this time.

Alistair Darling also confirmed a 50p a month tax for landlines, this will be used to fund next generation broadband internet services.

There will be a new 0% band which will apply for company cars running solely on electricity from the 6th April 2010.