Listen: Streeting accuses private schools of ‘pleading poverty’

There are now less than 24 hours until Budget day, and this morning Wes Streeting was sent onto the airwaves ahead of the Chancellor’s statement. The Health Secretary was in a fighting mood, however – particularly on the issue of VAT hikes on private schools.

Quizzed by LBC’s Nick Ferrari about the tax plan, Streeting was quick to take a pop at privately-funded institutions. Dismissing concerns about the move from independent educators – including those catering for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND schools) – the Health Secretary accused institutions of ‘pleading poverty’. Crikey.

Going on, Streeting fumed:

I would say to independent schools, you have hiked up your fees up with inflation-busting increases year after year after year, since 2010, and now you’re pleading poverty?

If you’re worried about whether children can continue to access your schools, you’ll have to cut your cloth in the way that state schools have had to do for over a decade.