Charities: Advancement of Religion Debate
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Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie
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Charities: Advancement of Religion
Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie Excerpts(1 day, 5 hours ago)
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Baroness Twycross (Lab)
All charities should be safe spaces for everyone: employees, volunteers and members of the public. I agree that, at their best, our values, across all religions and those who have no religion, would uphold the freedom of individuals as well as our collective responsibility to one another.
Baroness Fraser of Craigmaddie (Con)
My Lords, do the Government consider the advancement of education to be a valid charitable purpose? If so, why are charities delivering this treated differently from the rest of the sector?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
As I think the noble Baroness is aware, the Government have removed the VAT exemption for education and boarding services provided by private schools and removed the eligibility of private schools that are charities for business rates and charitable relief. The Government are taking these steps to raise revenue to support the public finances and help deliver their commitments relating to education and young people, including the 94% of school children in the UK that attend state schools.