Appeal court rejects latest challenge to adding VAT to UK private school fees

"We acknowledge that the measure may have a serious impact on the [parents] if they are unable to afford private education which accords with their religious convictions but it is important to bear in mind that they have the option of home schooling if free education in the state sector is not acceptable to them."

"There was no prohibition on the UK government taxing education and no guarantee of a right to education of a particular type beyond what the state already provides. They also found that the government had justifications for not exempting types of schools from VAT."

The Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal against the 20% VAT addition to private school fees, rejecting arguments from four independent Christian faith schools that the tax would make them unviable and violate children's educational rights. The judges ruled the UK government has authority to tax education and no obligation to guarantee access to particular types of education beyond state provision. The court acknowledged the measure's serious impact on families unable to afford private education aligned with their religious beliefs, but noted parents retain the option of homeschooling. The affected schools charge significantly lower fees than typical independent institutions, ranging from £3,000 to £5,000 annually, and rely heavily on donations and volunteer support. The Christian Legal Centre indicated plans to pursue a Supreme Court appeal.

Read at www.theguardian.com