Members of a campaign group have been speaking out against the government’s plan to add VAT to private school fees, specifically targeting Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. Some individuals within the group have resorted to personal attacks, comparing the policy to the persecution in Nazi Germany and using derogatory language to describe Phillipson.
The campaign group, Education Not Taxation: Parents Against School Fee VAT (ENT), has been vocal about their opposition to the VAT policy, claiming that it will lead to larger class sizes in state schools as some parents may no longer be able to afford private school fees with the additional 20% VAT. Despite efforts to moderate comments, some extreme and offensive messages have been posted on the group’s private Facebook page.
Phillipson has been called names such as a “vile hag”, “queen of mean”, and “scum” by members of the group, with discussions of picketing her events and expressing wishes for her to “rot”. While the group organizers have taken steps to remove these offensive posts, they acknowledge the challenges of moderating a large online community.
The campaign group emphasizes that the negative comments do not represent the majority of discussions on their page, which generally focus on the impact of the policy on families. They have called for a meeting with the education secretary to discuss concerns about the VAT plan.
In addition to the personal attacks, some members of the group have shared the financial sacrifices they are making to cover the increased fees, such as canceling memberships and delaying home renovations. On the other hand, the government defends the VAT hike by stating that the funds raised will be used to hire more teachers, provide mental health support for children, and establish breakfast clubs in primary schools.
Critics of the policy argue that it is rushed and will lead to overcrowding in state schools, particularly affecting children with special educational needs, disabilities, and those from military or religious backgrounds. The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has distanced itself from the abusive comments made by some members of the campaign group, emphasizing the importance of addressing legitimate concerns about the future of education.
Overall, the debate over the VAT on private school fees has become heated, with both supporters and opponents expressing strong opinions on the potential impact of the policy. While disagreements are expected in such contentious issues, it is crucial for all parties to engage in respectful dialogue and focus on finding solutions that prioritize the well-being of all students.
