An Evil, Meanspirited, Vicious Policy Which Will Raise Government Costs in State Education.

 SIR – You are quite right to describe the introduction of VAT on school fees as “an act of class warfare” (Leading Article, December 30 DT.). 

The impact will be severe, chaotic and highly disruptive to the lives and education of many children, something that will please no one but the Labour front bench, whose policy of vindictive social engineering it is. It has been rushed through and implemented halfway through the school year to cause maximum turmoil.

Not only will it fail to raise the amount that the Government claims, it may also cost the taxpayer money, given the difficulties it will create for an already overstretched state sector.

Between them, the Chancellor and the Education Secretary have embraced a destructive and ill-thought-out policy and put ideology before responsibility or good judgment.

Mark Mortimer
Perth.