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The new one Labour Government British government plans to tax private schools to give more resources to the public education.
The measure could create thousands of teaching jobs, but it worries families who are they squeeze the belt to take their children to the most prestigious centers.
The Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who assumed his duties after the legislative elections of July 4, does not stop repeating that he has “nothing against private schools,” which have 600 thousand students, 6.5% of the total in the United Kingdom.
But “all parents have ambitions for their children,” said the leader, who took his two children to the public school from his neighborhood in the north of London.
“For public school students who don’t have the teachers they need… it’s a lifelong problem,” he added.
After years of austerity in public services and deepening inequalities, the government confirmed in July that it was removing the VAT exemption applied to private school fees.
The measure should provide income of An additional £1.6 billion (about 2.1 billion dollars) that would finance 6,500 new teaching positions in public education.
From 1 January, private schools will have to pay a 20% tax, which will mean higher bills for parents.
The average tuition fee is about 18 thousand pounds sterling (nearly $23,400) at private schools, according to the Private Schools Council, which represents private schools.
Prices for boarding schools, the world-famous elite boarding schools that have been attended by many members of the British ruling class, can reach £42,000 (more than $55,000).
While many families who send their children to these more distinguished schools can afford this increase, the issue goes beyond the wealthier classes.
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2024-08-30 13:10:33