Friday, 26 June 2026

VAT Cut on Family Days Out

 
Families are expected to get cheaper access to theme parks, zoos and museums as well as kids' meals as a temporary VAT cut comes in to force on Thursday for the school summer holidays. Ticket prices at various attractions are among the activities where VAT will be reduced from 20% to 5% in what the goverment said would help with the cost of living. But families, charities and firms said the measure will do little to help squeezed budgets, with some doubting the tax saving would be passed on to customers. VAT will be reduced on children's meals served in restaurants as well as kids' and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows. and exhibitions. Also included are adventure parks, nature reserves and wildlife parks. There will be free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England. The government said the scheme will cost around £300m. Businesses can choose whether or not to pass on the discount to customers. Pub chains Wetherspoons and Greene King, as well as Nando's will be among those who say they will pass on tax savings to customers in the form of cheaper meals.

BBQ - Why might businesses not pass on the savings to customers?