For those students who wish to buy their own instruments, we run a VAT free scheme to keep the costs down.
Please find attached a form for the purchase of musical instruments under the VAT scheme run by Arts in Education in conjunction with the VAT Liaison Officer, Leicestershire County Council and the VAT and Taxation Advice Office, Leicester City Council.
Step 1
Parents/carers wishing to purchase a new musical instrument should first seek advice from their child’s peripatetic music teacher.
Step 2
Having selected the preferred instrument from a retailer, parents/carers should then fill in Part 1 of the attached form and return the form to their child’s school for signature. Applications cannot be processed unless Part 1 is fully completed.
Please note, whilst it is possible that a retailer may allow parents/carers to have an instrument on approval at this stage, this is a private arrangement between the supplier and parents/carers. Neither Leicestershire County Council not Leicester City Council accepts any responsibility for any loss arising from this arrangement. VAT cannot be reclaimed on instruments purchased by parents/carers directly from retailers.
Step 3
After verifying Part 1, the school representative will sign Part 2 and send the form to the VAT Liaison Officer and once approved the form will then be sent to Arts in Education*. At this stage, Arts in Education will issue the supplier with an official order. The supplier will invoice Arts in education who will pay the invoice.
Step 4
Before the instrument can be released, Arts in Education require a cheque from the parent/carer for the amount charged by the retailer less VAT. There is an administration charge of £12.50 for each application form, which should be included in your payment. The cheque should be made payable to Leicestershire County Council and should be forwarded to Fiona Chamberlain at the address below or it can be given to the supplier, who will then forward it on with their invoice. Upon completion, a receipt and a copy of the invoice will be sent to the parents/carers.
*City Council pupils
The arrangements for City Council pupils may be slightly different in that the form will be forwarded by the VAT Liaison Officer to the City Council VAT and Taxation Advice Office for authorisation, with the order then being raised by the City Council’s Education Department. Your cheque should then be made payable to ‘Leicester City Council’ and forwarded to City Council’s Education Department. Where appropriate you will be advised of these alternative arrangements upon receipt of your completed form by the City Council; pending such advice you should follow Steps 1 to 4 as outlined above.
‘Data Protection Act, 1998. Information supplied on this form will be used by Leicestershire and Leicester City Local Education Authorities. The information will be used for the sole purpose of fulfilling the Local education Authorities’ statutory duties and operational functions.’
For more details call us on 0116 270 0850
