Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what engagement they have had with military families in receipt of the Continuity of Education Allowance while monitoring the impact of VAT on independent school fees; whether they will provide details of which military family representatives Ministers have met since that policy took effect in January.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the unique circumstances faced by our Service personnel and that frequent mobility can disrupt children’s education. Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps by providing the children of Service personnel with a stable education that would not otherwise be available in the state-maintained day school sector, due to their family’s mobility.

Following the introduction of VAT on independent school fees, the MOD conducted an in-year recalculation of the rates of CEA effective 1 December 2024. The single Services will continue to monitor any impact on retention in service for those claiming CEA following the introduction of VAT. Additionally, the MOD will continue to monitor the impact through engagement with the Families Federations and feedback from Service personnel.

The Pay and Allowances Casework and Complaints Cell (PACCC) will monitor the impact on Service personnel changing schools and withdrawing from CEA. Currently, no Service Personnel have withdrawn from claiming CEA as a direct result of the introduction of VAT on independent schools