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UK universities in trouble - why not add VAT to tuition?

579 replies

80smonster · 09/08/2024 19:03

UK universities are in trouble, apparently many could close, why not charge VAT on tuition fees (for those that are financially viable)? Bridget Phillipson says they are autonomous institutions and won’t be given a public bail out - they should rely on their own resources:
https://www.theguardian.com/education/article/2024/aug/09/english-universities-face-autumn-tipping-point-as-financial-crisis-looms

YABU - don’t add the VAT
YANBU - add the VAT

English universities face autumn ‘tipping point’ as financial crisis looms

Vice-chancellors fear weaker institutions need bailout to avert failure due to fewer students and higher costs

https://www.theguardian.com/education/article/2024/aug/09/english-universities-face-autumn-tipping-point-as-financial-crisis-looms

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MsCarrieBradshaw · 09/08/2024 19:06

There are no free state universities, so you can’t tax them like you tax private schools, which are a luxury (because the free state option exists).

MojoMoon · 09/08/2024 19:05

You know the entity charging VAT doesn't get to keep it, right?
They collect it and pay it to the government.

ShinySteel · 09/08/2024 19:05

You need to look at why they are in trouble. Admissions figures are falling...why would you put even more people off going?

BIossomtoes · 09/08/2024 19:04

How would making universities tax collectors improve their viability?

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