Families can get discounted meals and days out from today – what you need to know
Families will be able to benefit from cheaper prices on days out, cinema tickets and meals from this week as Labour’s summer living package launches.
Announced by Rachel Reeves in May, the chancellor said the ‘Great British summer savings’ discount scheme would “support families with life’s little treats”.
The law introduces a temporary VAT cut on family activities from 25 June, when schools will be closed in Scotland. The discounted prices will be valid for nine weeks until 1 September, when schools reopen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
While the cut reduces the standard 20 percent rate to 5 percent, businesses are expected to pass the savings on to families in the form of discounted prices.
Applies to a range of family-targeted products and activities. The Treasury says this includes:
- Children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on site
- Children and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions
- Entry tickets to a variety of attractions for both children and adults, including amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation centres.
The government says if the full discount was applied by businesses it could equal a £20 discount on a family ticket to a theme park, £11 off a trip to the aquarium and £2 off a children’s lunch out.
The plan comes as cost-of-living concerns continue to rise, with the global oil shock caused by the US-Iran war affecting energy and fuel prices around the world.
According to official research, 79 per cent of adults in Britain reported an increase in the cost of living between April and May; The vast majority (92 percent) pointed out that the increase in food prices was the main factor.
Ms Reeves said: “Whether it’s a fun day out, a family meal or taking advantage of the UK’s thousands of fantastic attractions, Great British Summer Savings will support families with life’s little treats while boosting business across the UK.
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“We can do this because we made the right choices and as a result the UK has the fastest growing economy in the G7 and inflation has fallen.
“I know the cost of living is still the number one concern for households. Our economic plan is the right plan – supporting families and businesses and building a stronger, safer Britain.”
Which businesses are participating?
Many businesses with branches across the UK have committed to transferring VAT savings from the government scheme; This means cheaper prices for families.
This includes Merlin Entertainments, which operates Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Legoland and Chessington World of Adventure.
Gulliver’s, which owns Butlin’s, Haven Holidays and Peppa Pig World, also confirmed the new reduced prices. Odeon, Vue and Cineworld cinema chains are also reducing prices for families.
On the food side, many large businesses announced that they are participating in the program. This includes Nando’s, McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King and pub chains Greene King, Wetherspoons and Shepherd Neame.
Fiona Eastwood, managing director of Merlin Entertainments, said: “It’s encouraging to see the industry coming together to help families save more this summer. By reducing VAT on holidays, the Great British Summer Savings initiative will give people more opportunities to get out, explore and turn everyday moments into unforgettable experiences.”
For the latest cost of living information and advice, visit The Independent’s regularly updated guide
