NALC urges government to finally close the lid on the toilet tax

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has used today’s World Toilet Day 2020 to urge the government to finally close the lid on the toilet tax through new legislation.

The Non-Domestic Rating (Public Lavatories) Bill is currently making its way through Parliament, taking forward the Budget 2018 commitment to legislate to exempt public conveniences, including those owned or managed by local (parish and town) councils, from paying non-domestic rates.

However, while the Bill has safely completed its passage through the House of Commons – receiving cross-party support – it is currently awaiting a date for its remaining stages in the House of Lords before receiving Royal Assent.

Cllr Sue Baxter, chairman of NALC, said: ”On this World Toilet Day I have written to the communities minister, Lord Greenhalgh, urging him to set a date for the toilets bill to complete its passage through Parliament and become law. I have called on him to finally close the lid on the toilet tax.

“Local councils are facing financial pressures from the coronavirus pandemic and Government funding to the local government does not include dedicated support for local councils.

“Business rates on public conveniences currently cost local authorities, including local councils, around £8 million, and this bill will provide welcome and much-needed relief to councils across the country.”