Total lunacy!

[Finallylostit]

I have 2 teen DCs - 1 in private education and 1 in state.
Why ?
one had such a bad time at the state school, bullying, physical and mental abuse which the school failed to manage - child shadow of former self - so local private school transformed child happy thriving no more school refusal. This was very much school year related and parental enabling of some awful behaviour, my DC not only one. Expensive but worth the sacrifice.
Other child same state school much nicer year group, loves it, thriving and v happy. Even comments that other childs year group are the school nasties.
Different choices but child centred and both happy.

They both play an extra sport at school and a musical instrument - same instrument teacher -lovely lady now costs me 20% more because the lessons are via private school not a state school.
Likewise the sports subs are now 20% more for the same reason.

Why is the Government taxing one of my children for exactly the same product as the other child?

Am not sure the lunacy of VAT on education was thought out in anyway and the full implications are far mor reaching. If music lessons are a luxury then 20% on all not just one group - surely?

Could you get music lessons for the DC at private school from a tutor not arranged via the school?

They fit around the timetable and no need to drive there - makes time sense. But that misses the point why is one taxed and one not for the same product?

You might as well say a child's education is 'the same product' but one is paid for and the other is provided by the state. You're paying for the convenience of the lessons being provided in the same private setting as the rest of the child's education, which is your choice. Like, you pay VAT on a take away because it's already been cooked for you, but not on the same ingredients bought raw. Convenience usually comes at a price.

Perhaps it's more that the state school is subbing the lessons/sorts clubs? You're not paying more at the private school, you're paying less at the state school.

What would the music teachers rate be if you had private lessons with her? Find that out and then you'll know if you're being ripped off or not.

Not quite the same as a takeaway! State school is paid for, by everyone, including those who don't use those services. It's like saying the NHS is free when it very much is not. Education should not be subject to VAT. There is no benefit to anyone.

I pay the same teacher for the same amount of time organised by both schools - the hourly rate is the same but I pay 20% more on one lesson because a private school organised it.

Why don't you book music lessons independently if you think you are paying too much?

So don't pay it then. Think about petrol stations, why should I pay more for one than another, it's the same product.

Labour politician: We deliver exactly the same service 17% cheaper than the private sector which just goes to show how good the public services are under a Labour government.