Charity doesn’t start at school

Sir, – I would like to take the opportunity to reply to Dr John Halliday’s response in (“Don’t fall for the school ‘subsidy’ myth”, Letters, February 15) regarding my letter agreeing with the Scottish Government’s decision to abolish rates relief for independent schools, as well as my argument to abolish Independent Schools Charitable tax status.

His points put forward, though well argued and structured, are wrong and in a minority not supported by public opinion.

There has not been much public outcry over the rates decision.

Dundee High had charitable status, which I find hard to justify.

Charities are for those in dire need, not for those who attend an institution who come from, predominantly, top socio-economic backgrounds.

Other than sporting or debating events, I find there is very little interaction between this school and local state schools on things such as academic projects.

Furthermore, regarding parents of Dundee High students paying taxes for the education system they don’t benefit from, I along with other taxpayers pay for services we don’t agree with or receive as well.

I believe, as education is one of the indicators of the poverty rate in Scotland, institutions such as Dundee High School embody the social inequality that blights this country.

Steve Kerr. Maryfield, Dundee.