In what might be a major victory for British military families, a petition launched by the Conservative Post and headed up by Lord Ross Kempsell has garnered over 10,000 signatures, prompting the Government to reconsider its VAT raid on private school fees for military children.
The petition, which has gained widespread support, called for an exemption for the children of military personnel and diplomats, who could face devastating consequences under Labour’s plan to impose a 20 per cent VAT on private education fees.
The petition’s rallying cry has been echoed by military families who argue that the policy unfairly targets them, potentially forcing many to reconsider their future in the Armed Forces. With soldiers deployed across the globe in hotspots such as Cyprus, South Sudan, and the Falklands, families rely on the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) to provide their children with stability through private boarding schools while their parents serve the nation.
Lord Kempsell, a former political director of the Conservative Party and a member of the House of Lords, was vocal in his opposition to the VAT hike, describing it as “morally objectionable.” He warned that nearly 70 per cent of Army families surveyed would consider leaving the military if no exemption or financial mitigation is provided.
As pressure mounted, The Telegraph has now reported that Labour’s VAT raid may indeed be tweaked to exempt the children of military personnel and diplomats. Government ministers are now understood to be actively reviewing the impact of the policy ahead of the Budget on October 30th. Potential mitigations include either exempting military families from the VAT increase or recalculating the CEA to shield them from the financial burden.
The petition, which was designed to protect military families from being unfairly penalised, argued that these families should be prioritised, not punished, given the sacrifices they make for national security.
Lord Kempsell’s stern message to the Government resonated widely: “Clobbering Britain’s bravest families with a levy like this is morally wrong. These families deserve support, not an extra financial burden.” The overwhelming response to the petition has placed significant pressure on ministers to act, with military families now hopeful for a positive outcome.
The Telegraph has further reported that discussions within the Government are ongoing, with the Treasury “closely monitoring” the situation. A final decision is expected ahead of the Budget announcement, but for now, it seems the relentless campaign spearheaded by the Conservative Post and Lord Kempsell has had a considerable impact.
As military parents anxiously await a final decision, the petition’s success serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for those who serve the country.
With the fate of the VAT hike hanging in the balance, one thing is clear: the voices of 10,000 concerned citizens have made a difference, and Labour’s plans may soon be forced into a dramatic U-turn.
You can still add your name to the petition here.
