Labour’s decision to impose VAT on private school fees has again drawn sharp criticism from the Catholic Church in England and Wales as the consequences of the new tax take hold. The bishops say the measure is causing distress to families and disruption to the education of some of the country’s most vulnerable pupils.

The Catholic Education Service (CES), which represents the British bishops on matters of education policy, warned that the government’s decision is having “unintended consequences” for small independent schools, many of which serve children with special educational needs or disabilities. Parents are also, the CES said, being priced out of the schools they chose for their children’s pastoral care and support.