Students can purchase new instruments without paying VAT, saving an extra 17.5%.
Any pupil who is having lessons through the Council’s Music Service has the right to purchase an instrument through the Assisted Purchase Scheme.
The instrument must be purchased through the school and the handover of the instrument must take place on school premises.
Therefore, it is best that parents ask the school to place the order.
The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme is strictly for pupils attending Local Education Authority Schools who receive musical tuition as part of the curriculum.
The scheme was approved by HM Customs and Excise and reviewed in September 1994 by the VAT Office. The scheme operates nationwide through Schools, Music Centres and Education Authorities.
Here's how the Scheme works:
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The pupil/parent selects an instrument.
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The parent pays the VAT free figure to the school
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The school places an official order.
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The school is invoiced with the full amount inclusive of VAT.
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The school claims the VAT in the usual way.
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The pupil collects the instrument from the school.
There are conditions to abide by to be able to use this scheme
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The pupil must be in full-time education at a Local Education Authority School.
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Pupils must be either receiving tuition at the school as part of their curriculum or receiving private tuition in support of a curricular activity such as GCSE music
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The instrument must be appropriate for the pupil's needs
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The instrument must be portable [e.g. not a piano or drum kit]
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The instrument must initially be sent to the school and then passed to the pupil in a designated teaching room
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The instrument must be charged to the pupils at or below the normal schools cost, exclusive of VAT (i.e. non-profit-making.)
Contact information
Education and Lifelong Learning
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Ty Trevithick
Abercynon
Mountain Ash
CF45 4UQ
Telephone: (01443) 744017
Fax: (01443) 744023