Greens to introduce private school tax
The Scottish Greens will introduce a new tax on private schools in order to support underfunded state schools and education services.
The levy, which would be applied using non-domestic rates, could bring in millions of pounds to support education across Scotland. It would apply to mainstream fee-paying schools, not to specialist Additional Support Needs schools which operate independently.
This proposal is part of a package of measures being introduced by the party to ensure that the super wealthy and big business start paying their fair share towards building a fairer, greener Scotland.
The party’s co-leader Ross Greer said:
“Elite private schools are one of the most obvious ways through which the super-rich keep hold of their power and privilege. They act as pipelines into some of the most powerful positions and industries in our country, forming exclusive networks amongst a privileged few.
“A few years ago we quite rightly removed the tax cut they got for being ‘charities’. That's because we recognised that they are not just schools, they are profitable businesses and they should be treated as such. With public services under such huge pressure but the richest still getting richer, it's time to go further.
“The Scottish Greens’ Private School Tax would ensure that these businesses pay their fair share. That money would go straight into local services, particularly our state schools and social care services.
“Every child deserves the best start in life, but that can’t happen when some families are able to buy such a huge advantage right from the start.
“The Scottish Greens are willing to take on the rich and powerful to build a better future for all of our children.”
