'The threat of VAT cannot be dismissed', ISC spokesman warns
Speaking to the Daily Mail, a spokesman from the ISC refuted claims made by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who said that recently announced independent school closures have “nothing to do” with his party's plan to add VAT to fees.
In response to Sir Keir's comments, the ISC spokesman said: "While it is true that a number of economic factors are coming to bear on independent schools, the threat of VAT on parents' fees and the effect this is having on demand cannot be dismissed.
"This is evident in the fact that the fall in new pupils this academic year was the highest it has been since 2011, with heads telling us that VAT is very much at the forefront of parents' minds as they make long-term decisions about their children's education.
"We are particularly concerned about the unintended consequences of this policy, including adding further demand on a SEND system that is already in crisis."