Has anyone had their suppliers trying to pass on their UK Apprenticeship Levy? If so how have you dealt with it?

I have a key service provider who has invoiced 0.5% on top of salary costs in April without any notification, discussion or agreement with us. In my mind the Levy is a corporation charge based on the overall wage cost and designed to make the organisation invest in apprenticeships and training. The supplier then has the ability to offset training costs against the Levy if they so wish. What are your thoughts and advice please?