Government to slash VAT on family activities to make summer cheaper

Families will be able to enjoy activities for less throughout the summer thanks to this new government scheme

The UK Government has promised to slash VAT on certain family activities to help people enjoy more days out during the summer. The scheme will run from June 25 to September 1, 2026 and is aiming to support both businesses and families through the cost of living crisis.

The Great British Summer Savings scheme will reduce the costs of “children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and tickets for everyone for attractions like soft play, adventure centres, and theme parks”. Children between the ages of five and 15 in England will also be able to travel for free on local bus services in August.

The scheme is said to cost around £300 million and hopes to reduce borrowing and debt. The VAT rate on eligible activities will be cut from 20 per cent to 5 per cent across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The reduced VAT will apply to:

• Children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises
• Children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions
• Admission tickets, for both children and adults, to a range of attractions, including: amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions

HMRC has published guidance for businesses on how they can operate the scheme. Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 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 off £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.

“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.”