- MPs debated an e-petition opposing VAT on independent school fees and the removal of business rates relief.
- The government said the policy was necessary to raise revenue.
- A Labour MP suggested smaller, less wealthy schools should be exempt.
- John Lamont (Con) said the policy lacked thorough consideration and could harm students.
- Lamont believed that if fewer pupils go into the independent sector, the government will have fewer opportunities to charge VAT.
- Damian Hinds (Con) criticized the policy and suggested the government had made five significant errors in proposing it.
- Dr Rupa Huq (Lab) suggested the policy will make an elitist system more elitist.
- Huq suggested implementing VAT on fees based on turnover, only for the enormous schools that can afford it.
- Rachel Gilmour (Lib Dem) suggested that independent schools may no longer be able to offer their facilities or provide bursary places to disadvantaged children.
- Richard Tice (Reform) claimed the policy will raise extra costs on the state sector.
- Gregory Stafford (Con) believed that there are not enough places in the state sector and urged the government to reverse the punitive tax.
Source: tax.org.uk
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
