Phillipson dodges question on impact of private school tax raid

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Bridget Phillipson failed to spell out the full impact of the government’s private school VAT raid, dodging the question when asked about the possible implications for special education schools. open image in gallery The tax raid came into force on New Year’s day Asked what assessment the government has made of the impact on the special education capacity in state schools, if children are removed from private schools and put into the state system, Ms Phillipson said: “As part of the process, through the budget around the changes that we're setting out, we've looked at all of the potential impacts, including on the schools themselves and the potential for movement of children. While the VAT raid on private schools is aimed at funding the state sector, with Ms Reeves vowing “more teachers, higher standards and the best change in life for all our children”, the Tory shadow education secretary Laura Trott said the move will “add pressure to the education system” in 2025. “It will be pupils, parents and teachers from the state sector that will end up paying the price.” But Ms Phillipson has argued that “high and rising standards cannot just be for families who can afford them”, saying the government “must build an education system where every child can achieve and thrive.” “Our ambitious Plan for Change sets out our clear mission to break the link between background and success and ending the VAT break enjoyed by private schools will provide much-needed investment in our state schools, to help recruit and retain expert teachers.”