Help with Costs
Where does Help with Costs apply?
Currently we offer help with the following activities:
- LM Music Group Membership - discounted rate of £10 per term
- Instrument Hire - discounted rate of £5 per month (per instrument)
- Instrumental Lessons - 50% discount on Paired & Group lessons only (or 100% discount for Children Looked After). Please note that we are not currently able to offer discounts on individual lessons.
Do I Qualify for Help with Costs?
To qualify, you will need to meet and be able to evidence one of the following criteria:
- Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods (£616.67 per month)
- Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Looked after Child
- Discretionary*
How do I let you know if I think I Qualify for Help with Costs?
We need to receive proof that you qualify before we can help.
When you register your child for an activity, please also complete the fee discount request form (see Fee Discount Application Form), where you will be asked to complete a form and upload scanned copies of supporting evidence.
The supporting evidence will be assessed by Leicestershire Music before being accepted.
*If you do not meet the criteria, you may still be eligible, please complete an application, provide any supporting evidence and use the text box to provide further detail regarding your claim. Your claim for help with costs will be assessed and if successful you will be notified accordingly.
Please note that without Proof that you qualify, we are unable to Help with costs. Leicestershire Music's decision is final.
If you have any problems or queries regarding any of the above, please email music@leics.gov.uk and we will be happy to help.
What kind of Proof is needed?
Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS)
What is this Scheme?
Under the HMRC-approved VAT Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme (AIPS) parents & carers can purchase new musical instruments for their child without paying VAT. This helps make instruments more affordable for young learners.
Who Can Benefit?
Your child may qualify if:
- They receive state-funded music lessons (e.g. through a school or local music hub)
- The instrument is for use in those lessons or related activities like school bands or orchestras
- The instrument is new and bought through the school or local authority
- It is sold at or below cost price (excluding VAT) (please see VATGPB7815 for a definition).
What's Included?
This scheme covers:
- New musical instruments
- Essential accessories (like bows or cases) if bought with the instrument
NB. Second-hand instruments or private purchases are not eligible.
How much will it Cost?
You will only pay the price of the instrument without VAT.
If purchased through Leicestershire Music there is an administration fee of £45. Please check directly with your school as their administration fees may differ.
How to Apply
1. Confirm your child receives music tuition through school or a music hub
2. Ask your school for an AIPS application form or download HERE
3. Get advice from your child's music teacher about the right instrument
4. Get a quote from a supplier showing the price without VAT
5. Return the form to your school (if purchasing through them), or Leicestershire Music - lmfinance@leics.gov.uk who will then invoice you for the net cost and place the order with the supplier
Need help?
If you're not sure whether your child qualifies or you want help with the application, please contact your school or us at lmfinance@leics.gov.uk
'Take it Away' Purchase Scheme
Take it away aims to make musical instruments more accessible to children and young people by providing interest-free loans of up to £5,000. Find out how it works and what you can buy by clicking on the link below.
If membership fees present a barrier to attending any of our Performance Groups or activities, please contact us at LMplay@leics.gov.uk
Help With Costs Criteria / Evidence Required (PDF, 105 Kb)
Fair Processing Notice (PDF, 101 Kb)
Assisted Instrument Purchase Scheme - Application Form (PDF, 177 Kb)
