Latest
TOUGH LESSON
Labour manifesto sparks fears state school class sizes will increase as major change to fees announced
It comes as Labour promised huge shake up
LABOUR have again vowed to strike private school parents with higher fees if they are elected - sparking fears state classes will take a hit.
In his manifesto released today, Sir Keir Starmer said he was committed to removing VAT exemptions on private schools.
2
2
Parents are said to now be worried that this will mean school fees could rise by 20%.
Plus, fears are growing that it could lead to a bulge in class sizes in the state sector.
The manifesto costings say this will raise £1.5billion and help pay for 6,500 new expert teachers.
Starmer today promised a huge benefits shake-up - should he be elected.
Read more on money
The party chief committed to reforming Universal Credit "so that it makes work pay and tackles poverty".
He also pledged to "end mass dependence on emergency food parcels, which is a moral scar on our society".
Starmer's manifesto detailed £7bn in tax rises in his plan to change Britain.
It comes after the leader last month said private school parents would be clobbered with higher fees.
Most read in Money
The party leader had vowed to slap VAT on independent schools “straight away” if he is elected.
Asked when worried parents could expect a hike, Sir Keir told BBC Radio 4 on May 24: “As soon as it can be done.
Race for No10 gets brutal as Rishi & Keir face wrath of angry voters in feisty clash that left Labour leader speechless
“Obviously, there will have to be financial statements.
"It is a question of the timetable in Parliament.
"But these first steps are intended to be done straight away.”
Labour claims the tax raid will generate £1.7billion for spending on state education, including the recruitment of 6,500 new teachers.
The Tories have slammed the policy as a wrecking ball for the struggling sector.
They say it will lead to an exodus of students into the state system, which does not have the capacity or resources to cope.
Read More on The Sun
Some independent schools have estimated fees could rise by £3,000 per year.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan warned in April it only takes a “small number” of pupils leaving the private sector to “cost everyone money.”
Huge benefits shake-up - manifesto
LABOUR will promise a huge benefits shake-up to get millions of Brits back to work and reform Universal Credit.
Sir Keir Starmer is launching his manifesto for the General Election in Manchester today, with benefits reform a key part of his pledges to voters on July 4.
The party chief also committed to reforming Universal Credit "so that it makes work pay and tackles poverty".
He is also pledging to "end mass dependence on emergency food parcels, which is a moral scar on our society".
Under new plans, Labour would work with local authorities to get more disabled and sick people back into employment.
It adds disabled people should have "the confidence to start working without the fear of an immediate benefit reassessment."
All adults from 18 would also be entitled to the same minimum wage in a shift from current policy, which increases the pay for workers over 21.
The party's manifesto reads: "Too many people are out of work or not earning enough. Long waits for treatment of health conditions, particularly mental health, are contributing to the rise in economic inactivity.
"Labour will reform employment support so it drives growth and opportunity.
"Our system will be underpinned by rights and responsibilities - people who can work, should work - and there will be consequences for those who do not fulfil their obligations.
"Labour will stop the chaos and turn the page to create a partnership between business and trade unions, by implementing 'Labour's Plan to Make Work Pay: Delivering a New Deal for Working People' in full - introducing legislation within 100 days.
"We will consult fully with businesses, workers, and civil society on how to put our plans into practice before legislation is passed.
"This will include banning exploitative zero-hours contracts; ending fire and rehire; and introducing basic rights from day one to parental leave, sick pay, and protection from unfair dismissal.
"We will strengthen the collective voice of workers, including through their trade unions, and create a Single Enforcement Body to ensure employment rights are upheld. These changes will improve the lives of working people across the entire UK.
"Labour will also make sure the minimum wage is a genuine living wage.
"We will change the remit of the independent Low Pay Commission so for the first time it accounts for the cost of living.
"Labour will also remove the discriminatory age bands, so all adults are entitled to the same minimum wage, delivering a pay rise to hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK."
Topics