Window tax
England, France, Ireland and Scotland introduced a window tax during the 18th and 19th centuries which was payable based on the number of windows in a house. The amount of window tax, was based on the number of windows in a house, and was actually first introduced by William III in 1696 as a result or as part of the Great Re-coinage.
At this time the British currency system was failing, largely because many coins had been clipped (trimmed at the edges), in order to salvage metal which was then used in counter-fits. As a result the entire monetary system was replaced and the public offered new coins for their old clipped ones, however as minting continued so did clipping, high levels of financial concerns lead to civil unrest which was solved in the end to some respect with the introduction of bank notes. The whole re-coinage was complete vy 1699, a process the cost the government huge sums of money, and with little in return they had to try to recuperate costs, the window tax was one way to do this.
Houses were banded according to the number of windows in the house and the tax was set per window, as a result, soon after it was introduced many people bricked up their windows to avoid paying the tax. Many buildings across the UK still hold the memory of this with windows still blocked up from that period. In the mid 1800's doctors and academics argued that the lack of light was becoming the cause of ill health in the population and in 1851 after significant pressure the tax was repealed.
Featured articles and news
What it is and how to use it.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.