student loans & self employment?

dandare

hey folks i tried a search but no joy on the forums. i just need some advice.
i have a student loan from my 3 year course which finished 2003/2004. i've just received a mailshot from slc, not requseting money but just informing of the thresholds and how the money will be taken paye or se.
for the first couple of years i was on the dole so i didn't think about it. i'm now working se and earn under the £15k threshold so shouldn't have to repay just yet.
i probably won't be over the threshold for a couple of years.
thing is like most folk on here i hate debt and it's the only debt i have.
i have savings of about 15k in an isa and was thinking of just clearing it. is this wise? as much as it's a pain as the savings would eventually be going towards a home.
i know the loan is at a good rate but i don't want it building more interest.
also as se can the loan be accounted for in any way in my se returns? i don't know how the tax man looks at these things. but from my biased point of view, it's similar to outlay i spent on equipment that i had before going se, it was eligible for tax allowances as it was necessary to do my job. similarly the loan/course was necessary to gain employment? or is this just wishful thinking? i did have a word with my accountant recently about doing future courses to help me gain work which he gave the impression would be eligible to be accounted in my returns but never thought to ask about my student loan.
if anyone would could shed some light on the best way to approach it i'd be grateful.
ta
dan.