Laura Anne Jones, Senedd Member for South Wales East, has hit out at the Welsh Government for failing to address the severe impact that Labour’s proposal to impose VAT on independent schools will have on the local economy and its largest employer, Haberdashers’ Schools of Monmouth.

The imposition of VAT on school fees threatens not only the future of one of Monmouth’s key institutions but also the town’s economy.

Speaking in the Senedd, she highlighted the critical role that Haberdashers’ Schools play, not just in educating children, but as the town’s largest employer and a key driver of local trade.

“Haberdashers' is at the heart of Monmouth” said Laura speaking after quizzing the Education Cabinet Secretary Lynne Neagle. “It brings people into the town, supporting small businesses, shops, cafés, and services. To impose VAT on school fees threatens to disrupt this vital ecosystem, forcing families to withdraw their children from the school and potentially leading to job losses. The ripple effects on local businesses would be devastating.”

Ms Jones expressed disbelief at the Welsh Government’s response to her concerns. “The Cabinet Secretary’s claims that there are over 78,000 surplus places in Welsh state schools is utterly irrelevant to Monmouth’s reality. We’ve got classrooms packed to bursting point—like the maths class in Caldicot where 60 pupils are crammed in. It’s clear that any closure or downsizing of Haberdashers’ would send shockwaves through our already overstretched state schools.”

She also warned that the economic damage could extend far beyond the school gates. “Local businesses have spoken to me about the devastating impact this VAT proposal could have. Monmouth thrives on the trade and custom brought in by families connected to Haberdashers’. If the school is forced to close or significantly reduce in size, the whole town will suffer economically—shops could close, jobs will be lost, and the vibrancy of Monmouth could be irreparably damaged.”

“The Welsh Government is asleep at the wheel while Monmouth’s largest employer faces this existential threat,” she added. “Imposing VAT on independent schools isn’t just a tax on education; it’s a tax on Monmouth’s economy, on its families, and on its future.”

The Senedd Member wants urgent action from the Welsh Government to oppose any policy that risks the viability of Haberdashers’ and the town of Monmouth itself. “The education of our children should be the number one priority of all governments. But this is not just about schools; it’s about the survival of a town. Ministers must stand up for Monmouth and ensure that policies that threaten our local economy are stopped before they can do real damage.”