Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he plans to take to monitor the potential impact of the introduction of VAT on independent school fees on service families in receipt of the continuity of education allowance.

The single Services will monitor the impact on retention in Service for those claiming Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) following the introduction of VAT on independent school fees. The Pay and Allowances Casework and Complaints Cell will monitor the impact on Service personnel changing Schools and withdrawing from CEA.