Families across Britain will see the cost of days out fall this summer under a new Labour plan to cut VAT on major attraction.
The Great British Summer Savings Scheme will reduce VAT from 20 per cent to five per cent on a wide range of leisure activities between June 25 and September 1, covering the full school‑holiday period across the UK.
Ministers say the move is intended to ease pressure on household budgets and support the hospitality sector during its busiest months.
The temporary rate will apply to theme parks, zoos, museums and fairs, as well as children’s cinema, theatre, concert and soft‑play tickets.
Kids’ meals in restaurants and cafés will also qualify for the lower rate.
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax added to most goods and services, charged as a percentage of the price and collected by businesses on behalf of the Government.
The start date coincides with the beginning of the Scottish school holidays, with the scheme running until pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland return to classrooms in early September.
Officials say the measure is designed to give families more opportunities to spend time together over the summer while boosting visitor numbers for businesses.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Labour wanted to make summer outings more affordable for families still feeling the effects of the cost‑of‑living crisis.
Ms Reeves announced the cut on Thursday
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“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,” he said.
“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 said the Government’s measures, including free bus travel for children aged five to 15 in England and a VAT cut on a wide range of children’s attractions, were aimed at ensuring “families can afford more time together”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the scheme would help households while supporting businesses during the peak season.
“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,” she said.
Ms Reeves said the initiative built on earlier support.
“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.”
She added: “We are able to 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.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Labour wanted to make summer outings more affordable
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"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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