Labour’s plan to impose VAT on private school fees is set to proceed, marking a key victory for the Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. This policy, which Labour has promoted as part of its efforts to address educational inequality, aims to generate significant revenue by ending the tax-exempt status that private schools have historically enjoyed. By applying VAT to these institutions, Labour hopes to raise an estimated £1.7 billion annually, which would be reinvested into state education to improve resources and opportunities for all students.

The proposal has faced resistance from private school representatives and some political figures, who argue that the change could increase fees and make private education less accessible for middle-income families. However, Phillipson and her supporters believe that this move is crucial for leveling the playing field between private and state schools, ultimately benefiting the broader educational system in the UK.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has emphasized the importance of education reform in his platform, with this VAT policy being a central element in the party’s broader strategy to address disparities in education and redistribute resources to where they are most needed.