VAT Rise Concerns

A TORY councillor for Leigh is worried that Labour’s increase in VAT for private schools would put “unnecessary pressure” on Leigh’s best state schools.

Conservative Owen Cartey of West Leigh ward was raising concerns over the government’s policy to raise the VAT on private school fees by 20 per cent, suggesting it could see parents struggling to pay fees, and switching to state schools.

 This, he claims, would put additional strain on state school places and require catchment changes.

 His specific concern related to St. Michaels independent school in Hadleigh Road, Leigh amid fears parents will attempt to gain places at West Leigh Infant and Junior schools.

Both schools are rated “outstanding” by OFSTED.

 Coun Cartey said: “At the moment families in West Leigh have ‘outstanding’ state primary schools and a brilliant independent school to choose from.

 “The Labour Party’s VAT on private school fees risks additional strain on the state sector and limits parental choice at the same time.

 “The people who miss out the most are those who work hard to live in a lovely area like West Leigh, but would be cut out of catchment areas for the best schools if they have to adjust for larger intakes.

 “Southend City Council need to do more to plan for pressures in concentrated areas.

“We are so lucky in Leigh to have top quality educational opportunities for the next generation, all the way up to 18 years old. If the system isn’t broken, we don’t need the Labour Government to play politics with it.”

 Coun Cartey raised his concerns at the September 5 Southend full council meeting asking if Labour councillor Laurie Burton, responsible for children services, could outline whether assessment had been done on the potential impact of the VAT increase policy.

 In response, Coun Burton affirmed that an assessment of the potential impact on state funded schools has been conducted.

 Coun Burton said: “Southend has four independent schools, three are for children aged 4 to 11 years and one for ages 4 to 16.”

  Coun Burton estimated that the fee increase would result in an increase of 25 to 30 primary pupils and 30 to 35 secondary pupils across all year groups, which he claimed could be accommodated within existing state capacity.

 He also said: “We have not corresponded with the Department of education on this matter.”

Picture: Outside West Leigh Infants & Juniors Schools. Pic: Coun Owen Cartey

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