In a major win for Britain’s military families, it’s understood the Government has pledged to cover the costs of a looming VAT hike on private school fees for military children, after a relentless campaign led by Lord Kempsell and the Conservative Post.
This intervention comes as fears mounted that families serving the nation could be hit hard by Labour’s proposed tax change, which would see a 20% VAT slapped onto private education fees, potentially forcing many military parents out of the Armed Forces altogether.
The Conservative Post’s petition, spearheaded by Lord Ross Kempsell, gained significant traction, with over 15,000 signatures gathered from military families and their supporters across the country.
The petition called for an exemption from the tax for children of military personnel and diplomats, who often depend on private boarding schools to provide stability amid frequent moves and overseas deployments. This rallying cry argued that soldiers who serve in challenging locations like Cyprus, South Sudan, and the Falklands should not be penalised by an extra financial burden.
The Government’s decision to cover the VAT increase for military families was first reported by The Sun on Sunday, with a Whitehall insider confirming, “The families will get the cash. It will be covered.” This revelation arrives just days ahead of the Budget announcement and signals the Government’s commitment to protect those who serve.
Defence Secretary John Healey, who last month voiced his awareness of the issue, had promised he was “looking hard” at ways to support military families. He acknowledged the potentially severe impact the tax change could have on Armed Forces personnel, and in response, ministers have now taken decisive steps to shield these families from Labour’s tax raid.
Lord Kempsell, a former political director for the Conservative Party, championed the petition with unwavering resolve. Describing the VAT hike as “morally objectionable,” he highlighted how nearly 70% of surveyed Army families would consider leaving the military if no exemption or financial relief was provided. The petition argued that rather than being punished with a tax hit, military families deserve prioritisation for the sacrifices they make in service to the country.
As Budget Day approaches on October 30th, a Government spokeswoman has kept tight-lipped, stating only, “We won’t comment on Budget speculation.” However, thanks to the petition and Lord Kempsell’s unwavering advocacy, it seems military families can now breathe a sigh of relief.
This victory ensures that the very people who protect our country will not be forced to bear a tax burden that would disrupt their children’s education and possibly destabilise the Armed Forces as a whole.
As the Government takes heed of public sentiment, Britain’s military families can count on continued support and recognition for their dedication to national security.
