Private school fees VAT hike is the right policy

Murray wants cash spent on state sector

- PAUL HUTCHEON

SCOTTISH Secretary lan Murray has said VAT on private school fees will be "pushed through quickly" to boost standards in state education.

The Labour Cabinet Minister urged voters to ensure the SNP government spends the cash in classrooms - not to fill a "black hole" in their budget.

Introducing VAT is a Labour manifesto commitment and Holyrood is expected to receive around £150million from the policy.

But critics claim ending the tax exemption will lead to an exodus from private schools and put pressure on comprehensives.

In an interview with the Record, Murray said of the policy: "The Chancellor has made that commitment. It will be pushed through quickly, but it will have to go through a fiscal event."