Labour's proposal to impose a 20% VAT on independent schools has sparked controversy, with critics warning it could harm 1000s of children and lead to the closure of many such institutions, including those catering to special education needs and faith-based education. A Telegraph poll suggests nearly all private schools plan to increase fees in response, potentially putting seven out of ten fee-paying establishments at risk of closure. Critics, including a private school kingpin and various media outlets like the Daily Mail, have labeled the move as 'lazy politics' and destructive, fearing it could also result in grammar schools being overwhelmed by students from private schools seeking alternative education options.
✏️Grammar schools face being ‘swamped’ by private pupils over Labour VAT raid https://t.co/psvb8UvJSG
✍️ 'The destructiveness of Labour’s schools plan' | Telegraph View https://t.co/D2lgaM4U6L
🔴Labour’s VAT raid is lazy politics, says private school kingpin https://t.co/8qWTDt2Fm8
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Labour's stance on business is bust https://t.co/eUXaKv3Lk6 https://t.co/6JR998XPhq
"Nearly all private schools plan to increase fees, Telegraph poll reveals "Labour’s VAT tax grab on schools could put seven out of ten fee-paying establishments at risk of closure" https://t.co/qZhFM29MmI
Labour’s plan to levy 20% VAT on independent schools will harm 1000s of children. Many special education needs & faith schools may go bust. But it misses the point on schools reform. More can be done with the right policy. Me in the @Telegraph 👇 https://t.co/8rMdXg9uU3