Why Labour’s war on private schools is wrong | The Daily T Podcast

Out-of-touch institutions for an entitled few or places of excellence offering essential support for children who don’t fit into state schools?

Private schools have found themselves in Labour’s crosshairs after it announced a controversial VAT rise, with the government now facing a potential high court challenge for breaching human rights.

Camilla and Tim bust some of the myths surrounding private schools in the UK, hear from people who send their children there, and consider the impact of the VAT rise with some schools already forced to close.

#politics #UK #privateschools

[Listenerandlearner]

It will make the independant schools that survive even more elite.

[picknmix]

When huge private school fee rises due to the massive inflation of the last 2 years have been passed on to parents, where were all these arguments then? Where were the schools closing down and the massive exodus of students into the state sector? When the free market raises costs it is deemed unfortunate. When the government does it to help 95% of the country it's suddenly horrifying. Give me a break

[Mish_Da_Mash]

It’s a great way of making private schools even more elite keeping middle class families out

[senanur]

UK private schools are now opening schools in Dubai, Qatar and Middle East. Bigger, cheaper and modern. Labour won’t get £1.1 billion I bet my mortgage on that.

[iancallard]

I'm afraid Tim's right - it's Government control, and the attendant erosion of parental choice for our children's futures. I visited a school in Slovakia. Its fabric was tatty and the interior uninspiring, complete with faded stakhanovite slogan posters. Starmer would have loved it.

[washingmachineenvy]

Cry move.

The question isn't will vat on private school fees will improve public schools. The question is why should private schools get a vat exemption.

There is no way to justify a tax exemption for a luxury product like private education

[nanceypallavus]

Private schools are a buisness they should pay tax like every other buisness!

[MBReader]

£8k per place in state schools is not enough. Let state schools charge fees.

[picknmix]

Tampons were made exempt from VAT because they are essential not optional. Private schools can be exempt from VAT when they are an essential, not optional purchase

[willowtree]

Some of the schools that are closing already had falling rolls.

[picknmix]

Should private transport (e.g. cars) be VAT free? Discuss.

[JamesSmith-moyt]

Switzerland has tax on private schools

[AL-iblu]

Tim gave himself away when he referred to "Staff & Servants" at private schools.
Someone suggested I listened to this, are the discussions always this one sided?

[TheUpHighGuy]

Sounds like 2 angry Tories are envious of power. 🧐

[jonathanhawke]

Isn't this typical two tier?
Charging working famies who pay for their children's education. yet why his he not charging students vat on their university fees????

[Jonny-ww]

We all should have a good education ' it shouldn't just be for the priveledge ' this is why the poorer cant contribute more ' then the rightwinger uses this for when theres a cost of living ' just so they can point fingers at others ie poorer people 🤷‍♂️

[shaun]

i 100% agree with labour, the private school mafia needs to end!

[maidin]

I wish they abolish private school altogether

[marymochrie]

Private schools should be abolished as they entrench priviledge and unfairness. There should be equality of opportunity to succeed in life. If all went to state schools the standards in them would raise to ensure all schools deliver a great education for pupils. Current private school parents would demand good standards/resources. Society too would be more cohesive as it is good for people to mix across classes. It would reduce division in society which causes so much problems within the UK. Also I think education should be secular. No separate schools for different religions as this again causes society division and distrust of each other.

[ianHolmes-ig]

Tax on private schools is long overdue