Swathes of private schools in the UK are being forced to make cost-cutting measures, including staff cuts and reducing the range of subjects taught, following Labour's introduction of a 20% VAT tax on fees. A poll of 84 schools revealed that the majority had applied at least 11% of VAT onto fees since January. Many schools are also seeing a decline in pupil numbers and are putting new facilities or building projects on hold. Critics argue that the VAT charge is a 'tax on aspiration' and will lead to more parents sending their children to state schools.