... to think that Nigel Farage will be our next PM?

If that happens the financial markets under Liz Truss will look like a calm day on a lake in comparison to what they will look like with Reform's uncosted 'policies'. The country will become an economic basket case (even more than it is becoming post-Brexit).

Farage's support for blood sports is grim.

If you support him you support hunting.

You want me to educate you on a policy you support in the ‘sector’ you’ve worked in for over 40 years? Do you think you should have maybe understood this prior to supporting it? You are making me doubt that you have understood Labours other policies now.

You're right @Happyher . When Farage was an MEP he had the worst attendance record across the whole European parliament.

Yeah, I don't think he'd be doing that.

I find it hard to believe he wants the job - 18 hour full on days, meeting hundreds of people, every minute of his day scrutinised by the hostile media, no nipping off to the US. He doesn’t strike me as a hard grafter, he smokes and drinks which won’t help. I’d give him6 months before he quits

Can you tell me you believe the arrangements were previously as to why VAT wasn't charger on school fees and what relief was removed to change this.

I would be glad of you directing me to the correct information...

Are you refering to the education tax posts or the. Winter fuel payment ones?

It's the field I work in, although admittedly I have spent my career in the school age sector. You are coming across very well with your sneery self appointed expert comment though.

So, to get my fact right this is from the gov.uk website...

Private school fees
From 1 January 2025, education and vocational training provided by a private school, or a connected person for a charge, will be taxable at the standard (20%) rate of VAT. These services were VAT exempt before this date.

Now the only issue I can see here is were it is a specialist provider for children with SEND, there are Send Specialist colleges out there that do vocational qualifications. If the child has an EHCP they are tax exempt. Anyone can request an EHC needs assessment if they think they/their child need provision through an EHCP.

So the only people who would be affected by this are those who do not have an educational need to go to a private provider, but have chosen to. So again, this is something you can choose to pay for for a better experience if you can afford it...smaller groups, better facilities etc. There is no reason why someone doing that shouldn't be paying tax on their purchase of a private education.

Nope, you seem entirely ignorant of Labours major education policy yet extremely vocal in supporting it. I’m beginning to question your credibility as an education expert.

Hi @ohime
Toad of Toad Hall (others call him Nigel Farage, rhymes with garage) may well be if the racists and biggots continue with their hatred.

NF (as in Nigel F and The National Front) thrive on scaremongering and union jack toting, blaming all the ills of the world on anyone "not from round 'ere).

I would seriously consider leaving the cojntry if he were to become PM. Will definitely dilute the vote which is not good for labour, liberal or tory

Exactly. There’s no telling some people sadly.

@CleverButScatty no it's been. Revoked because of labour back bench revolt and outrage

It's part of a thread...ah bless you though, have you thought about going to an open mic night and trying a bit of stand up...

@RenoLouis 🤣🤣

It was always going to be means tested, scrapped is the phrase that the right wing press used. It should be means tested. They were never getting rid of it.

I can't remember what the cut off was originally going to be but I think 35k is a bit high really.

I do think these u turns are not putting Starmer in a good light, he's too power hungry. As I have said before I vote labour tactically and because they are the least worst option in my opinion at present. I'm certainly not happy with everything they are doing.

That said with cost of living their will be pensioners who still have mortgage payments and rent etc.

If I was a working person on less than 35k I might be a bit pissed off to be honest.

It’s a Labour bot malfunction.

@CleverButScatty sorry are you literally addressing yourself there or was that meant for another poster?

Are you ok?

Yes, the education and vocational tax. You claim it is a tax on private schools and removal of charitable status, neither of which are true. You might not have an interest in private schools but as a self appointed education expert and advocate of Labour education policies, I would have expected you to at least have a vague understanding.

@CleverButScatty it's been raised now hasn't it. .how many older people suffered last year panicking and terrified about food or heat.?
It's the first thing they did to show the world and the markets they meant business

Why wasn't it high to begin with?

Helloooo, come back and clarify.....

It's about fairness and equality. Even if it only brings a small amount of money back into the system (which isn't entirely the case) it should.

The reason they didn't used to charge it was because, I understand, of charitable business relief (not an expert on this happy to be corrected). And I am sorry but an exclusive school that you can only go to if you are wealthy, were you will have a much nicer experience than in the state, is a business not a charity.

I have issues with lots of labour policies but feel that those who are retired with taxable income of 35k upwards can pay their own electricity bill, just like the many working people who earn less than that do.

I have never had any involvement or interest in private schools. However the wording of your post led most people to assume to were referring the newly introduced VAT on fees.

If you are referring to something else please clarify...

@Youdontseehow agree and how do the people feel who voted for labour then got their winter fuel removed and will pay more tax on their pension.

I bet they don't feel too good about themselves.

Today there was a poll that farage could have a majority.

This is the beginning of a new party and hopefully it will morph and grow and change into something different