Labour backs down from plan to strip private schools of charitable status

The announcement seemingly contradicts a speech made in 2021 by the shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves. Photograph: David Jones/PA

Private schools would retain some of their tax breaks under a Labour government, after the party backed down on its pledge to strip them of charitable status.

The party said it no longer needs to end the charitable status of private schools to achieve its policy of charging 20% VAT on fees and ending business rates relief in England, as first reported by the i.