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Written question asked by Sureena Brackenridge (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026 (named day). It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Further Education: VAT Exemptions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of extending VAT exemption to further education colleges on (a) college finances, (b) learner outcomes and (c) skills provision; and whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter.

Answer

While VAT is a matter for His Majesty’s Treasury, we are aware that the VAT status of providers is an area of interest for the sector. Many public bodies cannot recover the VAT they incur. The government keeps all taxes under review, and any proposals to change the tax system would need to be considered in the context of the broader public finances.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106704
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Further education VAT exemptions
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk