Created: 9th January, 2025
Robert joined Barker in 2002 and is a Partner based in our Braintree office. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he has over 20 years’ experience of all core building surveying services and provides strategic estates advice to key accounts in the education, commercial, ecclesiastical and public sectors.
An education specialist, he provides the following services: estates and energy strategy, asset management planning, project management and capital funding applications.
Robert works closely with clients to plan and implement energy efficiency and sustainability strategies to save money, reduce carbon emissions and meet ESG objectives.
As a RICS Certified Historic Buildings Professional he provides conservation consultancy for clients with listed and historic buildings.
Robert is an experienced APC Assessor and Chairman and is also an external examiner for Anglia Ruskin University
As a Partner Robert leads the Business Development and Marketing function at Barker, builds relationships with key sector bodies and helps steer the strategic growth of the company.
Email: rgould@barker-associates.co.uk
Tel: 01279 648057
Following their election victory in July 2024, Labour confirmed their policy that Value Added Tax (VAT) on independent school fees will be applied and this has now come into force. The impact of this necessitates a proactive approach from educational institutions to mitigate its effects.
Much has been said on this subject but in this article, we delve into the implications of VAT on school fees in the independent sector and focus on how strategic estate and energy management can offer solutions to navigate this challenge effectively.
With the imposition of VAT on school fees, independent educational institutions are confronted with the need to reassess their financial strategies. One avenue for mitigation lies in understanding the VAT recovery mechanisms available for building and renovation work. Schools should record all building and renovation projects conducted over the past decade with total expenditures exceeding £250,000. By doing so, they position themselves to secure partial VAT recovery on these costs, offering a potential avenue for financial relief amidst the VAT imposition.
Energy costs loom large as a significant operational expense for educational institutions. In fact, energy expenditure often ranks as the second highest operating cost for schools, following staff salaries. Focusing on energy efficiency measures presents an opportunity for schools to offset the impact of VAT on school fees while enhancing long-term financial sustainability. Achievable reductions in energy consumption, up to 50%, are within reach for most schools through initiatives such as Solar PV panels, LED lighting upgrades, heating controls optimisation, and behavioural change programs. A case could be made for using funds made available from the deferment of other capital projects to deliver energy projects that offer a strong return on investment.
In navigating the complexities of VAT on school fees and bolstering financial resilience through energy management, independent schools can benefit from the expertise and support of Barker. Our team specialises in helping schools develop comprehensive strategies to reduce long term energy use, assess return on investment for energy efficiency measures and identify suitable funding models. From project inception to implementation, Barker partners with independent schools to deliver sustainable solutions that generate long-term savings in operating costs, ensuring financial security and educational excellence.
As VAT on school fees becomes a reality for the independent education sector strategic planning and proactive measures are imperative for schools to weather the financial implications effectively. By leveraging estate and energy management strategies, schools can not only mitigate the impact of VAT but also enhance their financial resilience and sustainability in the long run. Through strong leadership, expert technical advice and a strategic approach educational institutions can navigate these challenges with confidence, ensuring continued delivery of quality education for generations to come.