Buckinghamshire Council has raised concerns about new education tax rises by the Government.
The recent introduction of a 20% VAT on independent school fees and the abolition of business rates relief by the Government has sparked significant concerns about the potential impact on Buckinghamshire's education system.
At its full Council meeting on Wednesday evening, Members agreed that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Education requesting that this policy be rethought given its impact on young people's wellbeing and attainment. They also agreed for the Cabinet to carry out a full impact assessment of the full year impact of the Education Tax upon both Buckinghamshire State Schools and Buckinghamshire independent schools both mainstream and those that provide Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.
Cllr Anita Cranmer said: "Local education authorities are bracing for potential pressure on state school admissions when the new 'tax' takes effect and makes independent schools unaffordable for many parents. This shift could lead to increased class sizes and limited access to preferred schools, posing a huge challenge for Buckinghamshire Council schools.
We are also expecting that children with SEND but without an Education, Health and Care Plan or attending a special school chosen by their parents are expected to be particularly affected. The Government did not grant VAT exemptions for these groups. Those children, if now entering mainstream schools, would result in increased costs for Buckinghamshire Council's High Needs block, further straining resources.
Communities are also likely to be losers as independent schools may be forced to reduce or eliminate bursaries for disadvantaged, but talented young people and community reduce access to their facilities.
Every child in Buckinghamshire deserves the best education whether that is in a mainstream school or an independent school. We are calling for an urgent reassessment of this Government policy so we can mitigate its adverse effects on Buckinghamshire's education system."
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