§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy on the charitable status of independent schools. [11456]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 30 October 2001]: The advancement of education is the second of the four main heads of charity and any not-for-profit body that operates an independent school will normally be charitable under this head. The issue of charitable status is being more broadly considered by the Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit as part of its review of the legal and regulatory framework for voluntary organisations. The review will cover the scope and definition of charity, although it does not have the aim of removing charitable status from any particular type of organisation. The report of the review is due in early 2002.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will abolish the charitable status for independent schools. [9594]
§ Angela EagleThere are no plans to remove charitable status from independent schools. The issue of charitable status is being more broadly considered by the Cabinet Office's Performance and Innovation Unit as part of its review of the legal and regulatory framework for voluntary organisations. The review will cover the scope and definition of charity, although it does not have the aim of removing charitable status from any particular type of organisation such as independent schools. The report of the review is due in early 2002.