Serco to Manage and Operate Emergency Planning College
A Message from the Emergency Planning College
Transfer to Serco of the Management of EPC
Our last newsletter included the announcement that Serco has been appointed to manage the EPC. Since then, EPC and Serco staff have been working hard to ensure a seamless transfer, which is now planned to take place on 16 April 2010.
The key message for all our customers is that provision and standards of service will be maintained without any break as the transfer takes place, and beyond. The same people will be delivering the same courses which you will be able to book in the same way. You will be welcomed to The Hawkhills following transfer to Serco of service delivery just as you have been to date. We will be seeking to make service improvements in time, but they will be for subsequent communications.
One immediate change that is unavoidable concerns VAT.EPC has enjoyed a VAT exemption to date but that expires on transfer of management from the Cabinet Office to Serco. As a result, HMRC regulations require that VAT is applied to all courses from the date of transfer, though Serco have agreed to absorb the VAT costs for all courses booked for 16 April and later for which invoices have already been paid. In future, therefore, all our customers will have to take account of VAT applied at the prevailing rate to all course bookings. Future invoicing will be through Serco and will include VAT. For the majority, this is a recoverable cost. Our Sales Team will be happy to discuss this issue with you should you wish.
Further information and guidance on VAT recovery is available from the EPC website: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/346677/FAQ in relation to VAT.pdf where a number of explanatory FAQs have been posted.
On the 16th April 2010, the emergency planning college will be accessible via a new web site address. It will be at; www.emergencyplanningcollege.com
If you have any queries, please contact us at enquiries@emergencyplanningcollege.com from Monday 19th April 2010 or contact reception on 01347 821406.
Regards
Emergency Planning College
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