Solihull West and Shirley MP Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst has urged the Government to U-turn on its decision to impose a 20 per cent VAT charge on private schools, warning it will disproportionately affect children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
During Education Questions in Parliament, the Minister declined to answer directly.
Afterwards, Dr Shastri-Hurst said:
“Parents in Solihull West and Shirley have told
me how worried they are about this policy. For many children with special
educational needs, it risks removing the tailored support they depend on. The
Government must think again before real harm is done.”
The Solihull MP said he had been contacted by families who fear the VAT hike could force smaller schools with dedicated SEND provision to close or increase fees sharply, leaving parents with few alternatives.
He added that he will continue pressing Ministers to reconsider the policy and protect vulnerable pupils across Solihull Borough.
