Richard has written to the Secretary of State for Education to raise Bedford Borough Council's concerns about the proposed removal of independent schools from current VAT exemptions for educational organisations. This policy is being advanced without a proper assessment of its impact on local state schools.
With 12.6% of local pupils attending independent schools—nearly double the national average—Bedford Borough could face a significant strain on its state school system. Current estimates suggest that between 138 and 322 additional pupils may need places in state schools, where vacancy rates are already below the recommended national minimum following an increase in net migration to Bedford Borough.
Richard has posed questions about how the Department for Education plans to support councils like Bedford Borough, which will be disproportionately affected by this policy should it be implemented. Local families and schools need clarity on how the government intends to address the potential shortfall in school places and funding.
You can read the letter here.