Children with Special Needs Face Stress and Mental Illness Due to Labour's Private School Tax
Three mothers of children with special educational needs are taking the government to court over the imposition of VAT on private schools. They argue that the tax discriminates against children with special needs and single mothers.
The tax, which Labour promised in its manifesto, came into force this month, adding 20% to the cost of private schooling. Experts have warned that children with special educational needs could be hardest hit, as many as one in five pupils at independent schools have such needs.
"The Government has gone ahead with a tax that is hitting thousands of vulnerable families across the country. The state education system will be much worse for these children with special educational needs (SEN). It is a broken system. Even the government is on record acknowledging SEN provision is in crisis and the number of school-age children with special educational needs is rising sharply every year."
"I fear this will disproportionately impact very vulnerable children with SEN who need more time and proper transitional planning and support to ensure their needs are adequately met in any alternative provision."
The mothers' legal challenge follows a separate legal challenge from the Independent Schools Council (ISC). The government maintains that the tax will help raise additional funds to support state schools and that the students who may switch schools represent less than 0.1% of pupils.
9 Comments
Answer
This tax is not about attacking vulnerable families; it's about creating a fairer system for everyone.
Jordan
This tax is a short-sighted solution that will have disastrous consequences for children with special needs. We need long-term solutions, not quick fixes.
The Truth
The government claims this tax will help state schools, but what about the impact on children with SEN who are already struggling?
Jordan
The money raised from this tax will be used to improve state schools, which will benefit all children, not just those who attend private schools.
Habibi
The government has a responsibility to provide good state schools for all children. This tax will help them to do that.
Leonardo
The government is failing our children! Instead of attacking those who need the most support, they should be investing in their future.
Raphael
This is a classic example of Labour's hypocrisy. They claim to support equality, but their policies actually create more inequality.
Michelangelo
This tax unfairly targets families with special needs children who already face significant challenges. Shame on Labour for discriminating against vulnerable children!
Eric Cartman
We need to build a better future for all our children, and this tax is a step in the right direction. Let's support it!