Legislation to reverse the impact of a ‘staircase tax’

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid will introduce legislation that will reverse the impact of a ‘staircase tax’, which he says has unfairly affected up to a thousand businesses.

The introduction of the Bill means firms who have previously received separate rate bills for operating in an office linked by a communal lift or stairs will be able to choose to have their rates recalculated under the old single bill system and any savings due backdated.

Javid said: “For years firms in adjoining units or rooms rightly received one rates bill, but this court ruling meant they faced multiple bills for operating in an office linked by a communal lift or stairs. This was a completely unreasonable burden on businesses which this legislation will put a stop to. We’re giving those businesses affected the option of getting their rates bills recalculated and any savings due backdated.”