In the face of Cabinet’s decision not to repeal the application of Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education fees for the current year, Director of the School of the Nations Brian O’Toole says too many unanswered questions still need to be answered, including what was the purpose of the recent consultation held with stakeholders on the issue.
A large public “consultation” was held at the Cultural Centre just over a week ago, when ministers engaged operators of private schools as well as parents and students, among other affected persons.
Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine subsequently said that based on a Cabinet review that was conducted after the consultation, the application of VAT would remain for the current year, while it would be re-examined during the preparation of next year’s budget. During the consultation, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had stated that the
