Communities secretary Sajid Javid (pictured above) has published draft legislation to reverse the impact of a ‘staircase tax’ which has unfairly affected up to a thousand businesses.
A recent Supreme Court judgement saw hundreds of businesses that operate in adjoining units or rooms – but which can be accessed via a common corridor or staircase – receiving separate rate bills for each unit.
The ruling resulted in a number of businesses facing higher rate bills, with some paying more due to the loss of small business rate relief.
Mr Javid’s action will result in these firms being able to choose to have their rates recalculated under the old single bill system, with any savings backdated.
“The staircase tax is an unfair rates hike for businesses,” said the communities secretary.
“For years these businesses in adjoining units or rooms received one rates bill, but this ruling meant they now faced multiple bills for operating in an office linked by a communal lift or stairs.
“I am ending this by giving those businesses affected the option of getting their rates bills recalculated and any savings due backdated.”
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