The government’s support scheme for flood-damaged businesses has grown to include leeway for businesses that are late to file their accounts.

The £10 million package was first announced earlier this month, but the extension is a new component of it. The delay must be a direct result of the floods and any extension must be agreed with Companies House.

Other elements of the package, which has also been bolstered by private sector organisations, include a dedicated government phone line offering help and advice, as well as free office space for workers and temporary free access to virtual meeting software.

Prime minister David Cameron said: “The government is taking action across the board to deal with the clear-up and help hard-working people affected by the floods. Today I am announcing further support for businesses hit to help them get back on their feet.”