Sammy Wilson said:
“The Labour government’s decision to impose VAT on private school fees is deeply unfair and will punish hardworking families, many of whom already make significant sacrifices to fund their children’s education at their chosen school.
While I have no doubt that Labour’s tax raid is primarily aimed at prestigious private schools such as Eton or Harrow, in Northern Ireland those who may well be hit hardest are likely to be the parents of children attending local grammar schools, as well as small, independent, church-run schools chosen for their ethos and beliefs.
We need clarity from the government on how this policy will affect families and schools in Northern Ireland. I am pressing for transparency on the exact local impact, and I know my colleague, Education Minister Paul Givan, is doing the same.
The DUP opposes this policy. We view it as vindictive, driven by Labour’s ideological opposition to private and grammar schools. This is no justification for punishing the aspiration of ordinary, hardworking people who simply want to provide what they believe is the best start for their children. The government should reconsider.”