A DISTRICT council is boosting its help for businesses during the economic downturn.

All invoices sent to Hambleton District Council are now to be paid within 20 working days of receipt – cutting the waiting time down by ten days.

It is the latest in a series of packages brought in by councillors.

They have already signed up to a regional pledge of action and brought forward £300,000 of spending so that local firms can bid for the work, as well as looking at a scheme of rate relief for small businesses.

Councillor Arthur Barker, leader of the council, said: "It is vital that we do all we can to support businesses during this economic recession.

"By signing up to the regional pledge of action we are working with other councils, police and fire authorities across Yorkshire to try to help alleviate some of the hardships caused by the downturn as well as prepare for the upturn when it comes.

"We have been asked by local businesses if we can pay our bills faster – by cutting the time from 30 days to 20 days.

"We hope it will go some way towards alleviating problems."