Hilary Benn hits out at Free Presbyterian Church over sales tax

Many have expressed concerns that they will have to charge parents more if the change comes into effect.

Benn met members of the Free Presbyterian Church Education Committee at Brownlow House in Lurgan, County Armagh.

These included Reverend Brian McClung, Reverend Darryl Abernethy and Reverend John Greer.

The meeting was arranged by Democratic Unionist Party MP Carla Lockhart.

The Free Presbyterian representatives expressed to Benn their “concern” about Labour’s plans.

They also said they could impact churches.

“Free Presbyterian Christian schools operate as an integral part of local churches,” a church spokesman said.

“One of the main concerns raised with Mr. Benn, therefore, was that imposing VAT on Free Presbyterian schools would mean that churches with affiliated schools would also have to register for VAT and collect the tax on additional services provided by the churches. “

“It was also noted that the proposed taxation would place a very heavy burden on parents who are already making sacrifices so that their children receive the education that Christian schools provide.”

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Office confirmed the meeting had taken place and said the Foreign Secretary had noted the delegation’s concerns.

The VAT changes on school fees should be confirmed in the next budget.

But Education Secretary Paul Givan has previously said fee-paying schools in Northern Ireland are different to those in England and should not be subject to VAT.

Ulster Unionist Party South Antrim MP Robin Swann previously told Parliament that imposing VAT on a religious school takes away the protected characteristic of religious belief.