Healey taking a 'hard look' at private school VAT exemption for military families
The Defence Secretary is taking a "hard look" at a possible exemption for military families who face an increase in charges for sending their children to private schools.
Military families can claim an allowance for their children to attend private schools at a highly subsidised rate but, from January, the Government is set to pass on the 20% cost of VAT to all parents.
During a visit to British Army HQ at Andover, John Healey spoke to BFBS Forces News and revealed that the Army is looking at the impact it would have on military families.
There have been calls to either raise the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) military families receive or exempt them entirely from having to pay the extra 20%.
When asked if the Government could exempt military families, Mr Healey said: "I am looking at it, the Army is looking carefully at it, and I recognise its importance and its impact on military families."
He added: "This is part of helping those who serve in our uniforms to do the job to keep us all safe."
The Defence Secretary couldn't give an exact timeline but said it "will be a part of the work we do over the coming months".
Mr Healey made an assurance that he was "taking a hard look at it" and that the Army was also studying its impact.
"I recognise the importance that there is for military families and for those who serve," he added.
Some military parents who rely on CEA to help pay school fees have warned they would be forced to quit the Armed Forces unless they were exempt from the increase.
This would cause an even bigger headache for the MOD as it tries to stem issues with retention across all the services.
Join Our Newsletter
