MSP hits out at ‘unfair’ bill
NICOLA FINDLAY
A Central Scotland MSP has hit out over a new law which will see independent schools pay higher rates.
Tory Graham Simpson warned that the ending of rates relief for charitable schools could see some of them close.
And he said he fears for smaller schools such as Hamilton College – one of the nearest in the independent sector to East Kilbride and the surrounding area.
Mr Simpson spoke after the Non Domestic Rates Bill was passed in the Scottish Parliament last week.
He said: “The Bill targets one section of the charity sector – schools – a move borne out of spite and prejudice.
“The charity regulator attacked it and we have warned that it will mean some schools closing and pupils having to leave.
“It would see bursaries cut and possibly facilities which were open to the public being closed off.
“I hope that Hamilton College can bear the brunt of this. It is one of the smaller independent schools and does great work in the community.
“It is simply unfair for schools like this one to be targeted in this way.”
In response the Scottish Council of Independent Schools said 30,000 families, more than 3000 teachers and more than 3000 non-teaching staff in the independent sector “will have been left in doubt over the support or otherwise forthcoming from the Chamber”.
It went on: “The independent sector will keep doing what it does best - for pupils from across Scotland, from all backgrounds, from all political persuasion and none.
“That is Scotland’s highest attainment, keeping subject choice as wide as possible, exporting Scottish education to the wider world, bringing pupil from over 50 countries to this country, and making real change to lives in their extracurricular offer and wellbeing agendas.”
But East Kilbride SNP MSP, Linda Fabiani hit back saying: “It is unfair that state schools have to pay non-domestic rates, whilst private schools don’t.
“These changes correct that imbalance by delivering a level playing field between state and independent schools.
“It has been noted though that specialist independent schools cater for children with a range of complex additional support needs and these schools will continue to receive charity rates’ relief.
“The impact of this change is equivalent to 1.3 per cent of current fees – much less than the average yearly fee increase of four per cent.”