HC Deb 23 March 1995 vol 257 cc286-7W
Ms Short

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax relief on training costs is given to people who enrol in and pay fees on national vocational qualification and other vocational courses; and if he will make a statement. [15161]

Sir George Young

Since 6 April 1992, tax relief has been available to individuals for the payments they make for training capable of counting towards national vocational qualifications and Scottish vocational qualifications, subject to certain conditions. Relief at the basic rate of tax is given by deduction at source from the fees by the trainee, so both taxpayers and non-taxpayers can benefit.

Employees may also be able to claim tax relief for certain job-related training expenses under an Inland Revenue extra-statutory concession—ESC A64—if the requirements of the concession are met.

The self-employed can also get tax relief for business expenditure on training which is revenue in nature and incurred wholly and exclusively for the purpose of their trade or profession.