Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 17 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how much was paid in VAT on school buildings in the last three years. - Inc table.

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was paid in VAT on school buildings in the last three years. [139812] Mr. Miliband: Schools that receive their funding for premises-related work through their local education authority may be required to pay VAT on certain types of work, but can then reclaim those costs. We do not have records of the amounts involved. Voluntary Aided schools cannot normally reclaim any VAT payable on work which is funded by capital grant paid by this Department, although that grant is increased to reflect the VAT costs. Our records indicate that the amounts of VAT paid on this type of work are as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. £ million 2001-02 23.01 2002-03 38.00 2003-04 (to date) 29.36 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Notes: 1. The figures do not include VAT for Academies, City Technology Colleges, or former Grant Maintained schools. 2. VAT information for earlier years is not available.

Secondary information