Labour's Private School VAT Plan Fuels SEND Funding Crisis

The introduction of a 20% VAT on private school fees is prompting a surge in public funding requests for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Local councils are experiencing increased applications for Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) as parents of SEND children leave private schools due to rising costs.
A National Audit Office report highlights the financial unsustainability of the current SEND system, with many councils at risk of bankruptcy by 2026.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledges systemic failure and promises reforms focusing on mainstream provision and early intervention, though specifics remain undefined.
Critics argue that Labour's VAT policy exacerbates existing pressures on the SEND system, potentially leading to increased demand on public education resources.
The Department for Education estimates significant local authority deficits, with a cumulative shortfall potentially reaching £4.9 billion by March 2026.