Tom Cross and Oliver Jackson act in one of two sets of claims which have been joined and expedited to consider the compatibility with human rights of the Government’s removal of the exemption from VAT on private school fees.
Instructed by Paul Conrathe and James Gardner of Sinclairs Law, the primary issue raised in their claim is whether the legislation unjustifiably discriminates against pupils with special educational needs. It is also argued that it constitutes sex discrimination against single parent women.
The claim will be heard alongside another set of claims being brought by the Independent Schools Council raising wider issues.
At a hearing on Friday 17 January, Mr Justice Chamberlain indicated that he would expedite the claims. They are likely to be heard by the early part of April.
The claims have been widely reported in the press, including by the Times, the Guardian, the BBC, the Independent, and the Telegraph.
