Hi All

Pressure is mounting against Labour’s plans to tax independent school fees, as even stakeholders who are traditional friends of the Labour Party are raising concerns.  The Observer (the Sunday edition of The Guardian) featured school fee VAT doubts on their front page today.  They note that the Treasury now won’t confirm a 1 January start date for the tax and calls abound from unions, tax experts and others for both a delay and a comprehensive impact assessment of this policy.  We as ENT support both, and we again urge Labour to meet with parents – who, after all, are paying the school fees they want to tax.  

The Telegraph also noted that even Labour politicians are growing uneasy with this tax.  They report that Rachael Maskell, MP (York Central, Labour) will publish her own report on school fee VAT this week, following concerns raised by Lord Hacking and other Labour Lords against Labour’s tax.  

They also reveal that the Independent Schools Council are considering legal action, and will make a decision after finalised legislation is published in the Budget.  This will be the second legal action against this policy.  Alexis Quinn’s action has raised over £170,000 by over 5,000 supporters.  If you haven’t donated already, please consider giving what you can to give her legal team the resources they need to make the best possible case against this tax.  You can find the link to donate here.

Despite all of thees concerns, The Independent reports that Bridget Phillipson plans to continue the tax from January.  We as ENT hold hope that reason will prevail, and that this unworkable policy is in fact delayed – by reason or legal action – and, ultimately, stopped.  In the least, Labour must take the time to understand the effects this policy will have on around 600,000 children and their families.

All of this follows findings by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) that Year 7 enrolments have fallen by 4.6%, which they say is the “tip of the iceberg”.  Luke Sibieta, who wrote the IFS paper Labour use to justify this policy, waded into the conversation with this X (Twitter) thread, trying to downplay the findings.  Mr Chips, one of our strongest supporters, wrote an open letter to Luke Sibieta, with several questions about the validity of his research that is tearing so many children from their schools.  Take a look at Mr Chips’ letter here, and consider writing Luke yourself with your concerns and questions including the ones raised by Mr Chips–civilly, politely and factually.   Don’t degrade yourselves to the level of our trolls.  Luke’s email is: luke_s@ifs.org.uk.  Let us know if you get a reply by messaging us here! 

Also, for parents with SEND children in independent schools, do consider requesting an EHCP Needs Assessment (EHCNA) for your child.  The charity Special Needs Jungle advised on Twitter:  “If those in ind schools can't afford the VAT, we would strongly recommend applying for an EHCNA asap.”  It’s not an easy journey, but we at ENT would urge you to at least start the conversation, which helps local authorities understand the impact of this policy (and the contributions parents of SEND children make to ease the burden on state schools).  

Your child’s independent school will be able to help you with this, so get in touch with them soon. Also, each local authority has a “SEND Information, Advice and Support Service” (SENDIASS), which is independent from the local authority and is an advocate for parents.  Search your local authority’s name and SENDIASS to find out more.  They are there to answer any questions and help you along the way.

Finally, be sure to watch the Parliamentary debate on school fee VAT taking place in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 8 October at between 9.30 and 11.00.  This debate, organised by Bradley Thomas, MP (Bromsgrove, Conservative) will give MPs an opportunity to voice their concerns with this policy and challenge Labour’s position.  You can watch the debate live (or on demand afterwards) on Parliament Live through this link.  We will also post an update as well.

More developments coming soon, especially as we near publication of the budget on 30 October. Thank you all for your tireless support!  

Tony Perry
Education Not Taxation