Wetherspoon confirms it’s slashing prices at 800 pubs | UK | News
A standard kids’ meal from the chain will now cost £5.03; This represents a discount of £0.72 from the previous price of £5.75. The nationwide scheme, announced by the Chancellor in May, reduces VAT on family-oriented events and meals from 20% to 5%, effective from 26 June to 1 September. Wetherspoons joins a number of major retailers in the hospitality and leisure sectors taking part in a cost-cutting program aimed at helping ease living costs during the school holidays.
McDonald’s is among the high street names to embrace tax relief; Happy Meals are down 27% to just £2.99 across all restaurants. Fast food rival KFC has similarly joined the Government scheme, offering families additional options to eat out more cheaply.
Theme parks and tourist attractions also save money under the program, with Merlin Entertainment reducing prices at 20 venues. Advance tickets for both Alton Towers and Legoland have dropped from £34 to £29.75 following the adjustment.
As an added summer measure, children aged 5-15 can access free bus travel by joining local bus services across England throughout August.
On 21 May, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I recognize that what’s important for families is not just getting by, but also being able to spend time together without worrying about the next bill. That’s why I’m launching the Great British Summer Savings scheme to help families and support our hospitality industry.
“So today I can announce that the VAT rate on summer events during the summer holidays has been temporarily reduced from 20% to 5%.
“This will apply to ticket prices for both adults and children, covering attractions such as fairs, theme parks, zoos and museums. This will include children’s cinema, concert, play and theater tickets. The cost of children’s meals in restaurants and cafes will also drop from 20% VAT to 5%.
“These changes will apply across the UK from the start of the Scottish school summer holidays on 25 June and continue until the end of school holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 1 September.”
