Last week I submitted my response to the Government’s technical consultation on its plans to introduce VAT on fees, and to remove business rates charitable rates relief for independent schools.
The Government’s plans to introduce tax on independent schools has caused real concern to many families facing potential disruption to their children’s education, including those with SEN attending independent schools, and those in the state sector worried about the potential impact on class sizes and school resources. Plans to implement this part way through the academic year have added to this, maximising the disruption and anxiety this policy is causing.
Given the potential impact, I highlighted the Government consultation and my plans to response, and I would like to thank all those who responded and shared their views and their own responses with me.
The questions posed by the consultation are extremely limited in scope, and I am particularly concerned by the numerous sections of the consultation document where it is stated in relation to important issues that “the government will consider how to address the potential impact of these changes”, despite the changes to VAT charging coming into effect from January 2025 and business rates charitable rates changes from April 2025. This highlights the hasty nature of the Government’s intended reforms and therefore increased risk of unintended consequences as a result of material issues not having been adequately evaluated and addressed.
Despite its limitations, I do believe this consultation makes clear that the policy as outlined will not achieve its stated aims of raising revenue for public finances and education, and ensuring pupils with the most acute needs are not impacted. Instead, they are likely to lead to significant educational, social and economic harms.
In particular, my consultation response highlights:
- the high impact on state schools of sudden demand for places mid-year, especially in areas such as my constituency and across Surrey where a very large number of children attend independent schools
- Disruption for children with SEN, plus additional pressure on state SEN assessment and support, risking children not receiving access to the support they need
- The very limited scope of support for those with SEN, given their VAT clawback only covers only children with a specific independent school named in their plan where their LEA is funding fees.
You can see my full consultation response below.
Government data shows that there is a greater percentage of pupils in independent schools receiving SEN support without an EHCP than in mainstream state education. The policy as set out includes no information as to the Government’s provision to ensure funding and staff are in place to support the needs of these children who are likely to struggle most with sudden transition back to the state sector.
I have been working consistently with our LEA, Surrey County Council, to advocate on behalf of constituents who are struggling to obtain EHCPs, and SCC is taking further steps to address the challenges it faces under the leadership of its new Chief Executive. However, this additional demand is likely to jeopardise that progress for many families already struggling to obtain EHCPs which properly cater to their child’s needs, regardless of the severity of their child’s need.
I will continue to work with colleagues across parliament to oppose the Government’s damaging plans to tax education. Constituents who have concerns or are facing challenges as a result of this can continue to contact me at: [email protected]
