Labour removed the VAT exemption in January and ended business rates relief for independent schools in April
Education Secretary Bridget Philipson has defended the Government's controversial private school tax policy despite acknowledging 31 school closures, telling GB News host Camilla Tominey the measure was "worth it" to fund state education improvements.
During a heated exchange, Camilla grilled the Labour MP on the policy, saying: "You can't be happy with a situation where 31 schools have closed and, presumably, teachers have lost their jobs? You can't be happy with that, surely?"
Labour removed the VAT exemption in January and ended business rates relief for independent schools in April, meaning that parents are expected to bear the additional costs to put their children through private education.
The policy has faced sustained opposition from the sector, particularly regarding its impact on smaller, specialist schools that are already financially stretched.
