The Great British Summer Savings Scheme will run from June 25 to September 1
With half term upon us and the summer holidays just around the corner, London parents will no doubt be trying to think of ways to keep their kids satisfied and entertained this summer – hopefully without overspending.
Thankfully, British families are set to enjoy discounted days out this summer thanks to the government-funded Great Summer Savings Scheme. VAT will be slashed across a range of activities, with the scheme expected to cost around £300m.
Running from June 25 to September 1, the scheme will cut costs on children’s restaurant meals, children’s theatre and cinema tickets, and admission to attractions including soft play centres, adventure parks and theme parks. VAT will drop from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on qualifying activities.
What’s included in the scheme?
Here’s how much a family of two adults and two children could save if businesses pass on the full discount:
- £20 off theme park tickets
- £17 off a wildlife park visit
- £11 off a trip to the aquarium
- £9 off circus tickets
- £6 off a farm attraction visit
- £2 off soft play entry
- £2 off children’s meals during lunch
- £1.50 off cinema tickets
Children’s meals must be from a dedicated children’s menu and eaten on the premises. Cinema, theatre, exhibition, concert and show discounts apply only to children’s and family tickets. Attraction discounts cover admission tickets at amusement parks, circuses, adventure parks, museums and similar venues – including adult tickets.
What’s not included?
Sports facilities are excluded from the scheme. Season tickets are only eligible if they’re priced the same as single-entry tickets or cover repeat entry within the 25th June to 1st September period only, reports the Express.
Free bus travel for children
Throughout August, children aged five to 15 in England can travel free on local bus services. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “When I think about the summer holidays, I think about the Lake District – where I went as a child and later made memories with my own family. I know how precious that time is, yet too many parents feel they have to hold back because the cost of living is still squeezing budgets.”
He added: “This summer we’re cutting the cost of a day out together – free bus travel for children aged five to 15 in England, and VAT slashed on a wide range of kids’ attractions – so families can afford more time together.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Whether it is a fun day out, a family meal or taking advantage of the thousands of amazing attractions across the UK, Great British Summer Savings will support families with the little treats in life while boosting business across the UK. This comes on top of support we’ve already put in place, including freezing fuel duty, taking £117 off energy bills, freezing prescriptions, fuel duty and rail fares. We are able do this because we have made the right choices, resulting in the UK having the fastest growing economy in the G7, with inflation going down.”
She added: “I know the cost of living is still a number one concern for households. Our economic plan is the right one, supporting families and businesses and building a stronger and more secure Britain.”
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