Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

Welcome to the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme

What is the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme?
 
The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme is an arrangement in compliance with current VAT legislation and HM Customs & Excise guidance which allows the purchase of instruments for pupils receiving tuition through Southwark Music Service, without paying the current 20% VAT costs.
 
Any purchases are however, subject to certain conditions.
 
What are the Conditions?

• The pupil must be receiving regular tuition arranged through Southwark Music Service or their school Music department.
• The pupil must attend a Southwark LEA school or a Southwark Music Service activity where they use the instrument.
• The instrument must be portable.
• The instrument may be new or second-hand and must be collected from the Music Service in person by the purchaser.
• The instrument should be appropriate to the ability of the child.

 
The Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme is operated under current legislation, which may change at any time.
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​How does the scheme operate?

• You should discuss with your child and your child’s instrumental teacher the type of instrument required.  
• YOU MUST use our online form and choose your instrument on the website of our preferred retailer Norman’s Music.
• Complete the form and pay the NET VALUE for the instrument here on our AIPS page. On receipt of payment for the instrument, the Music Service will order the instrument and contact you when it is ready to be collected.

PLEASE NOTE
The time taken for this process may vary greatly according to conditions beyond our control.

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Online form/payment/ Images

Some Commonly Asked Questions
 
Q    Must the instrument be new?
A     No, it can be second-hand.
 
Q    Can I buy more than one instrument under the scheme?
A     Yes, provided the qualifying conditions are met.
 
Q    Is there an upper limit on how much I can spend?
A     No, but the rules of the scheme require that any instrument must be appropriate for the proficiency and ability of the child.
 
Q    My child has private instrumental lessons.  Can we participate in the scheme?
A     You may participate in the scheme if your child uses their instrument in music lessons at a Southwark school or in activities run by Southwark               Music Service.
 
Q    Can I buy a piano through this scheme?
A     Sorry, HM Customs & Excise consider pianos to be non-portable. Regulations have recently been relaxed and you are now permitted to buy an             electronic keyboard through the Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme.