URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

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educationMatters
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URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby educationMatters » Fri Jun 07, 2024 5:40 pm

This was forwarded to me today Re VAT on fees.  

Thought anyone with children in Private school might want to take a look and please send your email now ... 

Please also share with parents at all private schools ...

______________________________

The parents at many schools are becoming very active about the whole VAT issue.

Apparently the most likely scenario is that NUT will block it if they start panicking about the number of applications for state school places. Therefore parents are making a concerted effort to email councils and ask where our kids will be going to school in sept 2024.

It’s very important they start panicking about the flood of applications and the reality of the situation - even if you have no intention of moving. After all we all pay for these places anyway so they can start working to find places for our kids!

If you are also worried, please email your local admissions team;  admissions@wandsworth.gov.uk

You will get a reply saying they will be in touch in 10 days.


https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/schools-a ... ool-place/


Something along these lines (adjusted to suit your situation) …

To whom it may concern;_

I’m potentially looking for a place in a state school in Sept 2024 due to having to remove my child from private school if Labour add VAT to fees.

Please could you tell me what options I have and where there is availability for September 

My child lives with me in Wandsworth SW and is currently in Year x

Thank you
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Last edited by educationMatters on Fri Jun 07, 2024 5:55 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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educationMatters
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby educationMatters » Fri Jun 07, 2024 5:43 pm

Why the Labour Party's VAT on Independent School Fees is a Misguided Policy 
Chief Operating Officer | Board Chairman | Trustee

June 6, 2024Until now I have only commented on others' posts on the potential for VAT to be applied to school fees in the UK, so I wanted to provide some context on this ideology, and what it means for the landscape of education in the UK.
 
The Labour Party’s proposal to apply VAT to independent school fees is fraught with unintended consequences that would ultimately harm our society, and whilst we have no real detail on the Labour Party's pledge to apply this tax, what we do know is that it's a real and present issue for the UK education sector, not just independent schools.

The tectonic plates of independent education in the UK are moving, and they are moving quickly. We have already seen that some schools have closed due to the nervousness of some parents withdrawing their children; there is more of this to come. The next few weeks will determine if this tax becomes a reality; the reasons I highlight here are, I hope, compelling enough to reaffirm that this tax is nothing other than short-sighted and will do more harm than good.

What we know is almost Rumsfeldian in nature, we have 'knowns', and we have 'unknown unknowns', but what is clear is that if Labour is elected, they will bring this tax upon the independent education sector, and have pledged to do it quickly. My only advice is that all independent schools should be preparing now, with contingency plans as to what they will do 'come the day' and if you have not yet started, you may be a little late!
Some factors that we should carefully consider are:
 
  • Erosion of Social Mobility: Independent schools play a critical role in fostering social mobility by providing scholarships and bursaries to talented students from less affluent backgrounds. Applying VAT to school fees would reduce the funds available for these programs, limiting opportunities for deserving students and widening the gap between the wealthy and the less privileged.
  • Exodus to State Schools: The additional financial burden on parents will force parents to move their children from independent to state schools. This influx of students will strain an already overburdened state education system, potentially leading to larger class sizes, reduced resources, and diminished educational outcomes for all students. The opposite of what the Labour Party manifesto says it will do.
 
Financial Effects of School Closures
 
  • VAT on school fees will lead to the closure of some independent schools, the financial impact of which will be profound, not just for the individual schools, but locally for the pupils, parents, employees and suppliers to those schools. Parents will be forced to find places for their children in state schools, exacerbating the strain on state resources. The cost to the government of educating these additional students would far exceed the revenue generated from VAT.
  • State Sector Overload: State schools will need substantial investment to accommodate the influx of students. This includes building new classrooms, hiring more teachers, and expanding support services. The increased expenditure could easily surpass the anticipated VAT revenue, making the policy financially counterproductive.
 
Negative Economic Ripple Effects:
 
  • Suppliers: Independent schools significantly contribute to local economies, relying on a wide range of suppliers for services and goods. The financial squeeze resulting from VAT would likely lead to cutbacks, impacting businesses and their employees across various sectors.
  • Communities: Schools are often at the heart of their communities, supporting local events, charities, and initiatives. Financial constraints could curtail these contributions, weakening community cohesion and support networks.
  • Employment: Independent schools are substantial employers, providing jobs to teachers, support staff, and local contractors. Financial difficulties stemming from VAT will lead to job losses, and contract terminations, all of which will affect livelihoods and increase unemployment.
  • Impact on Educational Diversity: A robust independent school sector enriches the educational landscape, offering diverse pedagogical approaches and fostering innovation. A weakened independent sector could stifle this diversity, reducing choices for parents and students and potentially lowering the overall standard of education.
  • SEND. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) benefit from the careful nurture that specialist (and non-specialist) independent schools provide. This area of the sector is one in which the education tax will be most keenly felt, especially as many Local Authorities provide payment (some or all of the cost) for children who have an Education Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) attending independent schools.
  • Military and FCDO. The UK military and FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Diplomatic Office) are asked, sometimes at short notice, to deploy around the globe, and rightly there is provision for military and FCDO children to attend independent (boarding) schools. Removing this essential need will disproportionately affect those children and their parents.
 
Whilst the Labour Party’s intention to increase funding for state schools is commendable; applying VAT to independent school fees is a misguided approach that will have a detrimental effect on social mobility, the state education sector, local economies, employment, and ultimately consumer choice in being able to decide whether your child should attend a school that charges fees.
The policy could end up costing more than it generates due to the financial burden on the state sector from an influx of students and the broader economic fallout from independent school closures.
It's crucial to consider the broader implications of the Labour Party policies to ensure we foster an inclusive, high-quality education system for all long into the future, and not just a short-term attempt at winning over the electorate.
Feel free to share your thoughts and engage in the conversation. Let’s work together for a better future in education!
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Allthesametoyou
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Allthesametoyou » Fri Jun 07, 2024 7:09 pm

Faking letters to state schools claiming you’d seek a place even if you weren’t!! When your arguments claim to be around fairness and supporting children and families. Astonishing really.

Education does matter - send your kid to one of the exceptional, nurturing, and diverse state schools in the borough. Maybe they’ll grow up to understand lots of different perspectives.
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chorister
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby chorister » Fri Jun 07, 2024 7:11 pm

I don't have skin in the game, and am not sure exactly how I feel about this issue.  I also don't know how much they think it would raise.  However you do say "whilst the Labour Party’s intention to increase funding for state schools is commendable" - I think therefore that you need to say explicitly which other taxes you would raise to generate the money to increase funding for state schools if it is not to be VAT on private school fees.

More generally it's a zero sum game which makes it pretty depressing that we have to look forward to a few weeks of everyone being very clear who should have more, but never specifying who should have less to accomodate it.
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Pud8
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Pud8 » Fri Jun 07, 2024 9:24 pm

So, let me get this right. You’re suggesting that private school parents inundate the local authority, asking where their children will go to school if they have to leave their private school (rather than just fill out the application form like everyone else). Then, though the local authority, and the schools, will work hard to find places, you have no intention of taking them? You’ll also be holding onto places that other, genuine families are hoping for? Great plan 🙄

In Wandsworth, there are currently very few schools that are full and many schools are struggling financially due to a drop in the number of children locally. If some parents need to move from private to state, there’s plenty of space for all, in our wonderful, diverse Wandsworth state schools.
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby readysteadycook » Sun Jun 09, 2024 4:05 pm

This is a great idea, please everyone apply and maybe even turn up just for the first day of term!


This Labour policy is appalling and only going to make class sizes bigger. It won’t improve anything, as we have seen with all the extra cash thrown at the NHS. The politics of envy, which never ends well.

There is a reason why the likes of Starmer (and many Labour politicians kids) are educated at private schools (Reigate Grammer), the are significantly better.

Each private school has 400-1500 students. It won’t take long to oversubscribed the state schools, like already is happening around the country - and there is no space to build more. So class sizes will have to become massive, impacting every student.

It’s time this badly thought out policy is removed before it causes lasting damage.
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Joe1999
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Joe1999 » Mon Jun 10, 2024 6:56 am

Nice idea, does anyone have the link for Lambeth?
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Harryml
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Harryml » Mon Jun 10, 2024 7:29 am

What a great idea! Lie, frighten people and with no intention of changing anything. Go for it, I’m sure there’s a place for you leading Brexit Britain..
And what a fantastic example to set for your children.
In all seriousness, reading your post made me feel very sad.
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Areyouserious » Mon Jun 10, 2024 8:28 am

This thread is vile and has made me lose all sympathy for those of you that will be affected.
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AppalledthatNVNpromotingthis
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby AppalledthatNVNpromotingthis » Mon Jun 10, 2024 8:41 am

1. I'm appalled that NVN is promoting wasting the time of Wandsworth Pupil services like this as its lead story. Shame on you Annabel.
Please don't believe such contact will have any effect on the "NUT" - a quite hilarious simplification of teacher unions.

2. Local state school pupil numbers are dropping as we pass natural birth rate peak, etc and so they would love to have more pupils and motivated parents who care a lot about the quality of their kids education

2. Independent school fees have risen by about 20% cumulatively over the last 3 years and that's not it seems led to a huge number exiting the independent sector, though I appreciate the timing sucks.
If there's anyone you ought to be writing to about a potential VAT increase it is your independent school itself - to ask them to reduce their fees should VAT be added. (They can afford to no matter what they are telling the broadsheet press!)

3. An Independent school run as a genuine charity is a rarity these days - most are in fact multi-school businesses. I can see no better evidence of this that their almost cartel-like pricing on fees. I would agree it is a shame the incoming VAT policy won't be able to differentiate any genuine charities, but that's another route you could campaign on.
It is a total outlier that VAT is not applied to what is clearly a luxury good.

4. If you want to pay twice (once through taxation and once through fees) for your child's education that is your right and your choice but the pricing of that has very little to do with tax policy and everything to do with the branded exclusivity that most Independents promote. Not going on a couple of 5 day jaunts to Singapore for 3 grand a pop ought to cover it
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Conscientious objector
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Conscientious objector » Mon Jun 10, 2024 8:54 am

Originally from Northern Ireland, the private school system has always baffled me. I know some French people in London with similar musings. Having a two tiered system does very little for social mobility. Yes, you have bursaries and scholarships and those are great but why segregate society according to means. The amount of times I’ve heard parents use “networking opportunities” as one of the reasons they want their child to go to a certain school ….Yes NI has a grammar school system which has its own issues but the schools are all funded and teachers can’t be enticed away by other more lucrative jobs in a private system. I know this isn’t helpful to the current debate about Labour policy. One of the posts stated that Sir Keir attended a private school. This is wrong. Reigate grammar was a state school and converted to a private after he left. If anything, his story is a testament to a system that worked well until grammars were dissolved. Unfortunately we’re in a chicken-egg scenario here- Labour want to make changes and new schools may have to be built and those need to be funded. Until then, there may be some pain but this is part and parcel of reform. Paying teachers more competitively might be a good start. Attracting teaching talent to the state sector should be number one priority.
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Stickystick » Mon Jun 10, 2024 9:02 am

Allthesametoyou wrote: Fri Jun 07, 2024 7:09 pm
Education does matter - send your kid to one of the exceptional, nurturing, and diverse state schools in the borough. Maybe they’ll grow up to understand lots of different perspectives.

How lucky that you - and many others on this forum - are wealthy enough to live in catchment for these exceptional, nurturing and diverse state schools. Your children will certainly grow up understanding the perspective of the smug and privileged.
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Batterseamomma82 » Mon Jun 10, 2024 9:13 am

Please don’t do this. It’s a terrible idea.

My child attends one of the oversubscribed schools in the borough. By signing up to a place, and suggesting turning up to just the “first day of term” will be awful for the children already attending as well as the teachers. By that time, many children would have been denied a place, teachers would have planned for the class and even more by then pulling for child out will prove a cut in funding. The only people that will suffer will be the children.

We like everyone is this thread are watching what happens very closely as we’d planned to move our LOs to the independent sector for senior school, but this guerilla action is not the way.
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Re: URGENT ACTION REQUIRED : The ridiculous Labour 'Private School VAT' scam ...

Postby Bailey11 » Mon Jun 10, 2024 9:43 am

I don’t think causing administrative chaos is the way to go.

Please think of the harm you would be causing all children - including your children that you would pull out after day 1 and which would achieve nothing, (apart from extra funding into the state sector).

Sorry but this sounds very callous to me….

Does NappyValleyNet endorse this? There is name and shaming in the media so I’d be very cautious of promoting this…
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