Labour’s Private Schools Policy Could Unfairly Tax Parents of Children with Special Educational Needs
Experts are warning that the parents of over 100,000 children with special educational needs could face unfair taxation under Labour’s private schools policy. Currently, an estimated 20 percent of all pupils attending private schools receive specialist support, but the majority do not have the necessary certification to be exempt from paying VAT on school fees.
The Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is crucial for students with significant additional needs, but the process to obtain it can be lengthy, especially with the increased demand since the Covid lockdown. Under Labour’s plans, families with an EHCP would be exempt from the additional 20 percent levy on school fees.
Research from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) reveals that their schools provide Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (Send) support for 111,154 pupils, with 7,646 having an EHCP for conditions like dyslexia and dyspraxia. Many parents opt to enroll their children in these schools for extra support rather than navigating the assessment process or while waiting for it.
Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC, expressed concerns about the impact of the policy on Send services and local councils, warning that it could worsen the crisis in state provision. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism for not adequately considering special needs schools, with fears that children with learning difficulties may have nowhere to turn.
The ISC’s annual census also revealed a 2.7 percent drop in new pupils joining private schools due to rising fees, leading to closures like Alton School in Hampshire. Labour has vowed to implement the tax raid on private schools immediately if they win the general election, sparking questions about the future of students who can no longer afford private education.