Assisted instrument purchase scheme

The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme enables pupils at Local Education Authority schools (this includes academies) who receive instrumental tuition to purchase instruments without paying VAT!

In order to take advantage of this offer, the parent/carer and the pupil should select an instrument after advice and help from their peripatetic music tutor, and then fill in the online order form. The instrument will then be ordered by Inspiring Music after full payment is received.

In accordance with HMRC regulations, each of the following conditions must be observed:

the student must be in full time education at a local authority school and

the student must be receiving ongoing instrumental tuition from Inspiring Music at the school as part of their curriculum or
the student must attend an Inspiring Music Centre regularly and use the instrument there on a weekly basis
the instrument needs to be appropriate for the individual student’s needs – a beginner cannot acquire a professional instrument
the instrument must be used as part of their musical tuition
parents/carers undertake to repay the VAT to Central Bedfordshire Council should the conditions above be transgressed

Please note that the scheme is operated on a non-profit making basis. A small charge (5% of instrument price with a £5 minimum / £50 maximum rate) is levied to cover administration costs incurred by Inspiring Music.

How the scheme works

Speak to your child’s music teacher first. They’ll give their expert advice on whether the time is right to buy an instrument for your child – don’t forget, its human nature to change your mind and as a child this may happen a lot faster, so be careful not to jump into an expensive purchase.

You’ll also need to decide how much you can afford. Do research online and ring around shops to check prices. We’re on hand if you need any help on 0300 300 6604.

If you decide to go ahead, you need to complete the order form below or download and fill the assisted instrument purchase form and post it to us.

Name of student

First Name

Last Name

School name

Instrument required

Make / size / serial number (if already set aside)

Name of preferred supplier

Please tick the relevant box below:

I wish to purchase the above instrument; I will pay by cheque/credit card/on-line banking for the full amount as invoiced -full payment details will be on the invoice from Central Bedfordshire Council.

My payment will be taken by Direct Debit as per agreement with Central Bedfordshire Council.

Your name

First Name

Last Name

Your address

Your post code

Contact telephone number (mobile or landline)

Email address

Terms and conditions

I agree to comply to the conditions of the scheme as set out in the InspiringMusicAIPS leaflet and declare that the information given above is correct. In understand he information on this form will be stored on both manual and computer databases. It will not be passed on to any third party.

I agree

I disagree

The instrument will be ordered by Inspiring Music after full payment is received.

When you collect the instrument, you will be asked to check it and sign for it.

Buying more than one instrument

You can use the scheme more than once to buy further instruments as your child progresses e.g. buying a larger instrument or a better quality instrument.

Or, you can use the scheme to buy more than one instrument at the same time e.g. if your child is learning two instruments.

Upgrading instruments

You can use the scheme when your child is ready to upgrade. Please note that whilst its possible for a retailer to offer you an instrument on approval at this stage, this is a private arrangement between the supplier and you. We do not accept responsibility for any loss or damage arising from such an arrangement. VAT cannot be reclaimed on instruments purchased directly from retailers

Is there an added cost?

The scheme is operated on a non-profit basis but there is a small charge (5% of the instrument price with a £5 minimum / £50 maximum) to cover Inspiring Music administration costs.

What are the rules?

These are the conditions to meet HMRC regulations:

the student must be in full time education at a local authority school and

the student must be receiving ongoing instrumental tuition from Inspiring Music at the school as part of their curriculum or
the student must attend an Inspiring Music Centre regularly and use the instrument there on a weekly basis
the instrument needs to be appropriate for the individual student’s needs – a beginner cannot acquire a professional instrument
the instrument must be used as part of their musical tuition
parents/carers undertake to repay the VAT to Central Bedfordshire Council should the conditions above be transgressed

To summarise, you will qualify for this scheme if your child:

receives music lessons in school from Inspiring Music
attends regular sessions at an Inspiring Music Centre

You won’t quality if your child:

attends a Youth Music ensemble that takes place during the school holidays – the HMRC scheme clearly states that the instrument must be used in the activity on a weekly basis
attends school in a neighbouring county - you will need to check access through your child’s school if you live in Central Bedfordshire but your child goes to school elsewhere
attends a private school – HMRC does not extend VAT exemption to private schools

If your child attends a school ensemble but doesn’t get lessons with us or attend a music centre, you will need to contact the school directly about this scheme.