Independent schools will be unable to claim back past VAT receipts under the Labour Party’s plans to impose VAT on school fees if elected at the next general election, The Telegraph has reported

The policy means independent schools will endure tougher VAT conditions than any other body that starts paying the tax.

Speaking to The Telegraph, a senior source within the independent schools sector said: “This is further evidence that Labour’s policy is ideological and designed to be punitive rather than fiscally sensible. Parents and ultimately children are the ones that will lose out.”

Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, commented: “Labour is yet to release solid detail on how they plan to implement their tax on children’s education. A full impact assessment of their plans is needed to understand all the implications for families and schools across state and independent education.”