I admit that, as a charity, we receive an 80 per cent mandatory reduction on our rates. If we did not we could not remain open. This is the only concession we get. We pay in full for our refuse collection, we pay business rates on our telephone, electricity, gas, water and sewerage, and yes, we pay VAT even though we are not a business. We lease the land we are sited on from the local council and pay highly for the privilege - it has increased 2,000 per cent over the past 15 years.
Even though we are in receipt of early years funding for our three- and four-years-olds, we would never be able to afford 7,580, with or without VAT, to refurbish our outside play area.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
