Starmer defends controversial private schools VAT policy by arguing it will benefit middles classes

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. Over the weekend, education secretary Bridget Phillipson called tax exemptions for private schools “a luxury we cannot afford”, arguing that middle-class parents priced out of the independent sector supported Labour’s policy. The average fee has reached something like £18,000 a year, which is clearly out of reach for the majority of parents in our country.” open image in gallery Keir Starmer has defended his controversial policy of imposing VAT on private schools by arguing it will benefit the middles classes When asked if only the rich were able to afford such surging costs, he said: “Middle-class people in good professional jobs with housing costs can’t afford that level of fees.” Insisting that the tax “commands the support of the majority of the public”, the spokesman continued: “The additional investment that we’re able to make into our state schools will drive up standards in our state schools.” He added: “By ending this VAT break for private schools, it means an additional £1.7 billion of investment into our state schools where 94 per cent of this country’s children are educated. It’s the politics of envy and will result in all of us being worse off.” open image in gallery Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch attacked Labour’s private schools VAT policy again on Monday But Sir Keir’s spokesman rejected claims the tax would lead to children with disabilities and special educational needs losing out, arguing state schools provided the “vast majority” with the education they needed. He said: “If a child can only be supported in a private school, then the local authority will fund that child’s place and the local authority can reclaim the VAT that they pay, so they won’t be affected in those circumstances by this change.” However, the Independent Schools Council still warned VAT will hit families who feel the state sector does not meet their child’s needs.