SMALL businesses can now give more to charities in their community, thanks to a new scheme called Payroll Giving.

Launched this week, payroll giving allows employees to donate to charity straight from their salary, giving immediate tax relief.

Even better, the new grants programme will match the first £10 donated by each employee every month for a period of six months - so £10 is £20 to the charity, when it only costs the taxpayer £7.80.

Romsey MP Sandra Gidley is calling for Hampshire businesses to sign up to the scheme, which raises £91m a year for UK charities.

She said: "The Payroll Giving Grants programme offers even the smallest organisations, with minimal budgets, the opportunity to connect with charities that support the local community.

"I hope to see local businesses embrace the scheme and provide that much needed extra income for good causes."

If businesses sign up before December 2006, there is an added cash incentive of up to £500.

For more information, call 0845 602 6786.