The Labour Party have been upfront about wanting to charge 20% VAT on fee-paying schools and included it in their manifesto - and I respect that millions of people across the country voted for this in July - but what they haven’t been clear on is the impact this will have on families whose children will be pulled out of school in January and, more concerningly, the impact on local state schools and Special Educational Needs schools in Leicestershire who would also have to contend with the additional 20% VAT.
We know that many schools across Hinckley and Bosworth already have waiting lists, so if even around 20% of pupils (as is estimated) move out of private education, I am concerned about the additional burden this will place on local schools, students and teachers.
As I mentioned here, I am yet to receive a response from my letters - sent on behalf of local parents and schools who have contacted me - about the impact of this policy.
It would appear from the Leader of the House's response that the Government has conducted an Impact Assessment of the policy – but this is yet to be published. I will continue to ask for the Impact Assessment to be made available to everyone, and have written to Leicestershire County Council for their understanding of the impact on local schools.
