ISC CEO: Taxing school fees 'would result in a net cost to the taxpayer'
Chief executive of the ISC Julie Robinson has responded to the findings of a survey suggesting one in four wealthy parents plan to remove their children from independent schools if Labour's plan to impose VAT on fees comes into effect.
A recent survey of 2,000 people with investable assets of more than £250,000 found that 71 per cent believed rising school fees would have an impact on their choices around independent schooling in the future. Others said they plan to move house so children who are boarding can remain as day pupils, or may consider moving to be near a cheaper alternative.
Responding to the findings, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Julie Robinson said:
“Five separate surveys have now found exactly the same thing: that VAT would cause parents to leave the independent school sector in numbers that would result in a net cost to the taxpayer."
Calling for an opportunity to discuss the policy with Labour, Ms Robinson added:
“We are particularly concerned about the disruption to education for children receiving special educational needs support, for military families and for those choosing faith schools.”