I hosted a roundtable to listen to constituents’ concerns about the increase in VAT for private schools, and the implications this will have on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Dhilan, Georgia, and Sian sat down with me to discuss  some of the ways in which this change worries them. It was an insightful discussion, and I was able to hear and address their concerns.

Some of the concerns raised included:

• How this policy will impact working parents who already struggle to meet school fees.
• How children with SEND needs who need private tutoring, education and support will be affected by this policy.
• The rise of permanent exclusions in state schools due to “challenging behaviours.”
• The lack of support for local authorities when dealing with education.

The rise of VAT in private schools could prove to be detrimental for children with SEND who attend these schools to ensure their needs are met.

I will be putting questions to the relevant government minister, to ask whether there has been a financial impact assessment made by the Treasury before implementing this policy.

I have undertaken much work in Parliament on issues with SEND provision, in response to parents and caregivers in Norwich South raising this with me. Read about the action I have taken here.