Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his policy is on the (a) tax and (b) charitable status of independent schools; and if he will make a statement.

Where an independent school satisfies the requirements of the Charities Act it may be recognised by the relevant Charity regulator as having charitable status. Requirements will include operating on a not-for-profit basis with a focus on the public benefit of the education they provide.

Schools with charitable status that apply to HM Revenue and Customs may be eligible for a number of tax exemptions and reliefs. These include the ability to reclaim Gift Aid on any qualifying donations that they receive and exemptions on charitable trading profits, rental income, investment income and business rates, as well as certain reliefs from VAT.