Louie French, shadow minister for culture, media and sport, submitted a written question in the House of Commons asking what assessment the chancellor has made of the potential impact of recent fiscal measures, including the VAT on fees policy, on specialist music and dance schools. Responding, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Dan Tomlinson said that ministers had "conducted thorough and detailed analysis" before introducing the tax, "including on music and dance schools". He explained that the Department for Education provides means-tested bursaries for eligible families through the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) when a child has secured a place at one of the eight independent MDS performing arts schools, before adding: "The Department adjusted MDS bursary contributions for families with a relevant income below £45,000 to account for VAT on fees, ensuring that the total parental fee contributions for families with below average relevant incomes remain unchanged for the 2024/25 academic year." Mr Tomlinson then outlined additional details regarding the other fiscal measures. Hansard.

Source: www.isc.co.uk