By Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors will this week debate and decide on controversial plans to end tax breaks for Isle of Wight private schools.
On Wednesday evening, Full Council is due to discuss and vote on a proposal to exclude fee-paying schools from Discretionary Rate Relief (DRR) – a tax relief local authorities can choose to grant businesses, charities and organisations.
Brought forward in a paper signed by deputy leader Cllr Ian Stephens, the policy has put the cabinet at odds with the corporate scrutiny committee (CSC) who have urged the cabinet to “strongly reconsider” its application and warned of a “detrimental effect” on the Isle of Wight and “future regeneration”.
At last week’s CSC meeting, the Empowering Islanders group’s Cllr Chris Jarman said: “I find it very odd that we would bring in such a measure and policy that would be targeting, in effect, only two schools on the whole Island.
“At least one of those schools I know has a number of sub-elements within it which are charitable concerns – not only a bursary scheme but charitable issues that they provide.”
The cabinet report says: “By not awarding discretionary rate relief to private schools that have lost charitable rate relief, the council ensures equality and fairness.
“This approach aligns with the broader legislative changes and national policy, creating a consistent financial landscape for all educational institutions.
“The potential removal of support to private schools through the DRR policy could lead to improved financial support for local state schools.”
Full Council’s meeting begins at 6pm at County Hall.
Isle of Wight Observer