34
Accepted
Given the considerable financial pressures on higher education institutions and the potential cost saving benefits...
Recommendation
Given the considerable financial pressures on higher education institutions and the potential cost saving benefits of sharing services, we recommend that the Department for Education works with the Treasury and the higher education sector to gather the necessary data to progress an exploration of removing VAT on shared services. (Recommendation, Paragraph 176)
Government Response Summary
The government states it is already working across government to explore how VAT rules constrain collaboration and is engaging with the sector on non-legislative measures like guidance and best practice.
Government Response
Accepted
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
PLANS ALREADY IN PLACE We are working across Government to jointly explore whether/how VAT rules constrain effective collaboration. The Government is working with the sector on non-legislative measures such as targeted guidance, better visibility of effective practice and clarity on the ambition for more collaboration as set out within the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.
Source
Committee
Education Committee
Report
9th Report - Higher Education and Funding: Threat of Insolvency and International Students
12 May 2026
HC 807
Addressee Bodies
Department for Education
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.2 yrs
Report published
12 May 2026