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The UK government faces a landmark legal challenge over its controversial VAT on private school fees. The case, which heads to the High Court next week, could not only reshape the tax landscape but also spark a broader debate on children’s educational rights. At its heart, the case is about whether taxing private school fees violates human rights, particularly for children with special needs or those attending religiously affiliated schools.
The claimants argue that imposing VAT on school fees could disproportionately impact vulnerable children, denying them access to an appropriate education. The case is also centered around the right to education, which is enshrined in UK education laws and protected by the Human Rights Act. If the court rules in favor of the claimants, the government could face a declaration of incompatibility, forcing Parliament to reconsider the law.
Legal experts suggest that while the government claims the tax will raise significant funds, its implementation mid-year has already led to school closures and greater strain on the special needs system, causing distress among parents and children. Should the case succeed, it would mark a critical moment in defending the right to accessible education for all children in the UK.
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