Labour has hit back at criticism of its plans to impose VAT on private schools, blaming inflation-busting hikes in school fees over the years for “pricing out the middle classes”.
In an exclusive interview with The Independent, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson suggested that above-inflation fee increases by private schools had made it politically easier for Labour to impose 20 per cent VAT on fees in order to fund 6,500 more state-school teachers. She said private schools had already “priced out” middle-class families.
“I think private schools, because they’ve whacked up their fees way beyond inflation, year after year, have priced themselves out of the reach of many middle-class parents who would, in the past, have looked to independent schools and might have considered it as an option,” she said.
Ms Phillipson said she holds no grudge against parents who choose private schools, but believes it is a question of priorities. “I respect the rights of parents to decide where they choose to educate their children. If they determine that the best place for their child is within a private school, that’s absolutely their right,” she said.
“I just believe that we need to make sure we’re prioritising public money, and we shouldn’t be giving unjustified tax breaks to private schools, who are their own businesses and can make choices about how they manage their budgets and can plan accordingly.”
Private school fees rose by 8 per cent for the 2023-24 academic year, with a place at a day school now costing on average £18,000 a year, according to recent figures. The figures, from the Independent Schools Council (ISC), also showed a drop in enrolments at private schools, which the organisation says is driven by concern over costs.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Netanyahu's actions suggest he isn't interested in peace
One year on from the invasion led by Hamas terrorists that has been called the greatest trauma in Israel's history, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, Benjamin Netanyahu's government claims sudden success.
Nketiah has big aspirations back home in south London
Eberechi Eze ambles over to take the free-kick and as he does so, Eddie Nketiah scans his surroundings.
New case could transform transfer market like Bosman
Lassana Diarra is arguing Fifa rules breach EU labour laws
Carsley envisages 'creative' plan to combine star trio
England boss wants to play Palmer, Foden and Bellingham
Maguire salvages point for United in Portugese thriller
Super sub Harry Maguire’s stoppage-time header saved Manchester United’s blushes and potentially Erik ten Hag’s job as the Europa League clash with Porto ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
There is a big if when it comes to interest rate cuts...
Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, said in an interview that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) could be \"a bit more activist\" in bringing rates down.
Delhi police seize record cocaine haul worth £640m
Delhi police have seized over 560kg of cocaine worth more than 65 billion rupees 643m) on the international market.
CIA reaches out to recruit agents in despotic regimes
The US Central Intelligence Agency has launched a new drive to hire potential spies in China, Iran and North Korea after a similar successful campaign to recruit Russians.
Nato chief visits Kyiv amid major Russian drone attack
Russian forces have launched a major drone attack on 15 Ukrainian regions, causing damage to energy infrastructure, residential buildings and schools.
Can war in the Middle East be won by military might?
Mike Crofts examines the balance of power across the region