Bradley has joined calls for the Labour Government to scrap its “ill-conceived” plans to impose VAT on independent school fees.
In a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Education Secretary, Bradley and five other Conservative West Midlands MPs have requested a meeting to discuss their concerns regarding the Government’s “destructive” policy.
There are three independent schools in the Bromsgrove constituency, including Bromsgrove School which employs more than 600 local people and contributes over £40 million to the UK’s GDP.
Bradley is concerned that Labour’s policy will risk the viability of independent schools in Bromsgrove and across the country and would cost taxpayers up to £1.6 billion. The policy could also push tens of thousands of more children into state schools - reducing the quality of education for children across the country.
Bradley said:
“Education is the foundation of prosperity. The Government’s destructive proposal to impose VAT on independent schools is not only an ill-conceived affront to the children and families who currently exercise choice in education provision, but an attack on the wider education system that will undoubtedly do little to enhance the quality of state education and will instead level down education standards across the board – and I say that as someone who was proudly educated in excellent state schools.
“Every child, no matter their background, should have the opportunity to succeed in life, and hard-working Bromsgrove families should have the choice of where to send their children to school. However, Labour’s policy will remove that option for many, whilst increasing pressure on the state school system – something Labour seemingly didn’t care about during the election campaign.
“I hope to meet with the Chancellor and the Education Secretary to raise the concerns of my constituents and to strongly make the case for scrapping this policy.”
