Labour's VAT on school fees could begin in January as ISC CEO calls for 'urgent clarification'
Responding to reports that Labour's VAT policy could come into effect as early as next January, chief executive of the ISC Julie Robinson has reiterated calls for ministers to clarify what the implications would be for children and their families.
Labour could introduce its tax policy for independent school fees from January 2025, despite widespread expectation that the policy would be delayed until next September. In an interview with Times Radio, education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government "will move quickly on this" and did not deny that ministers are planning to impose VAT on school fees nine months sooner than the previously expected start date.
Responding to the news, Ms Robinson said: “Families will have made choices about education months before an election was called; they cannot adequately plan for their children’s futures based on speculation, uncertainty and constantly shifting dates.
“There are a number of complex practicalities to consider in implementing this policy, and it needs to be dealt with thoughtfully and carefully to ensure the fewest number of children possible have their education disrupted.
“There is still a need for urgent clarification on what the implications would be for, for example, forces families, faith schools and children with SEND but without an EHCP. The Government has said it will engage with key stakeholders on this; we welcome the engagement we have had thus far and look forward to more over the coming weeks and months.”
In a separate quote for The Telegraph, Ms Robinson said: “Any parent or school following the debate over VAT is likely to have been planning for September 2025, as that was the date being briefed until this weekend.
“The change also means the policy would take effect one academic year earlier and parents would have missed the opportunity to apply for a state school place in the normal cycle.
“Any parent who might now need to move their child faces the prospect of an in-year admission, which is more difficult to arrange and will be detrimental to their child’s education.
“Implementing the policy mid-year is unworkable for schools and for parents.”
Ms Robinson has also been quoted in The Times and Daily Mail.
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