Families in the UK are set to benefit from cheaper theme park tickets, zoo visits, cinema entry and children’s meals this summer after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a temporary cut in VAT from 20% to 5%.
The tax reduction will apply from the end of June, when schools in Scotland break up for summer, until 1 September, when children return to school in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The discount will cover children’s meals eaten in restaurants and cafes, as well as family and children’s tickets for attractions including theme parks, museums, zoos, cinemas, theatres, soft play centres and other entertainment venues. However, businesses will decide whether to pass the savings on to customers.
Rachel Reeves said the move is aimed at helping families enjoy time together during the summer while also supporting businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors.
As part of the government’s “Great British Summer Savings” campaign, other measures include free bus travel for under-16s in England during August and reduced import taxes on some food products to ease pressure on household budgets.
Economic analysts say the measures may offer some relief to families, although experts suggest the overall savings per household could be relatively modest.
The announcement comes as UK households continue to face rising living costs, including higher fuel, energy and food prices linked to global supply disruptions.
