DCH 93 Professor J L Stollery
15th June 2004
Francine Graham 28 The EmbankmentJoint
Committee on Draft Charities Bill BedfordScrutiny Unit MK4O 3PERoom
G107 Millbank
SWIP 35A
Dear Ms Graham
Charitable Status for Independent
Schools
We have four boys, all of whom received
an excellent education at the local Cornprehensive Schools but
extra funding was important and was raised by the PTA. Far from
helping, the Harpur Trust Schools make education in Bedford far
more difficult by creaming off many of the most able students
from affluent homes. We fail to understand how a Trust founded
for public benefit, yet acting against the public interest can
be called 'charitable'.
A further indication of the Harpur
Trusts attitude was given recently when they sold the national
and international yoga centre at Ickwell in Bedfordshire*. The
offer of £500,000 from
the Yoga Centre was declined in favour of a slightly higher offer
from a Property Developer. Instead of allowing the Centre to re-bid,
and wanting a quick sale, and caring absolutely nothing for the
'public', all of whom can use the Centre, the property was sold.
Fortunately the local authority has so far refused permission
for the property to be 'developed' but every refusal is followed
by a re-submission.
In short independent schools should
be independent. They are not charities and should not be treated
as such.
Yours sincerely
Professor J. L. Stollery
*The Yoga for Health Foundation, Ickwell
Bury, Beds. A petition to retain the Bury raised over 20,000 signatures.
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