Small businesses left reeling by tax hikes in the Budget are being urged to save cash by going green.

More than 250 Oxfordshire firms have received a waste audit that shows how to manage their business in a way that means more waste is recycled rather than sent to landfill.

The move to a greener way of working also saves cash with council bosses claiming some companies see their waste bills cut by about 50 per cent.

Oxfordshire County Council commercial waste manager Daniel Dempsey said: "Small business owners won't be pleased with tax hikes.

"But 80 per cent of Oxfordshire businesses want to improve their environmental performance - this is good news and we are happy to help. County Council services will help businesses cut costs and go green."

On Wednesday Gordon Brown stunned business leaders when he annnounced tax on small firms will rise from the current rate of 20p to 22p by 2009.

Roger Belson, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said: "We're disappointed that small businesses have been hit in this budget. They are hugely important for Oxfordshire's economy.

"Businesses that want to cut costs and do their bit for the environment should take advantage of our waste audits - and see their waste bill cut by up to 50 per cent."

Businesses can apply for audits by e-mailing Mr Dempsey on daniel.dempsey@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Information about all of the council's commercial waste services is available at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/commercialwaste