Prices slashed at McDonald’s, Nando’s, Alton Towers, Odeon and extra within the UK from at the moment
Families across the UK are set to benefit from cheaper days out, meals and cinema trips this summer as a temporary VAT cut on family attractions, restaurants and children’s cinema tickets comes into effect today
It could be her final move as Chancellor(Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images)
A temporary VAT cut aimed at reducing prices at family attractions such as zoos and theme parks, as well as children’s cinema tickets and restaurant meals, has come into force today. Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the “Great British Summer Savings” initiative – which kicked off on Thursday – as part of a strategy to alleviate the cost of living impact from the Iran war.
Famous attractions like Peppa Pig World, Alton Towers and Legoland are participating in the scheme. Merlin Entertainments, the owner of 20 venues including Alton Towers and Legoland, has revised its ticket prices to reflect the “summer VAT savings applied”.
Advance tickets for both parks now start at a reduced price of £29.75, down from £34.
Longleat, the Wiltshire safari park, has also adjusted its ticketing system, with the discount bringing the cost of advance tickets for a family of four down to £122.30, a saving of £17.50. Cinema chains Odeon, Vue and Cineworld are also involved, with Odeon announcing that a family ticket for two adults and two children will drop from £32 to £28.50 during the scheme.
Haven Holidays is also joining in, stating that families will benefit whether they have already booked their holiday or plan to do so in the coming weeks. Greene King, boasting over 2,500 outlets, McDonald’s, Wetherspoons and Nando’s are among the dining establishments passing on the tax saving on children’s meals, reports Wales Online.
As a result of the recent changes, Nando’s is reducing the price of their “Nandino” meals from £6.95 to £6.08. Similarly, Wetherspoons is cutting the price of their children’s menu meals from £5.75 to £5.03, and McDonald’s is lowering the price of a typical Happy Meal by 27% to £2.99.
However, certain passes, like the popular Merlin passes that start at £139, will not benefit from this scheme.
According to the regulations, weekly or seasonal passes allowing multiple visits beyond the summer holidays are not eligible if they cost more than a standard single-entry ticket. Businesses are not required by law to participate in this scheme, which is running in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland until September 1.
The Treasury has estimated that this scheme will cost approximately £300 million. Additionally, it includes free bus travel for children aged between five and 15 in England during the August school holidays.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “The cost of living isn’t just about paying the bills, it’s about being able to afford the moments that matter with your family.
“Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, a day out together or family meal, too many parents have had to hold back because of pressure on household budgets – that’s why we’re slashing VAT on family days out this summer.”
Rachel Reeves added: “I know the cost of living is a number one concern for families, and it can be even harder over the summer holidays when kids want to do things and money is tight.
“So we’re making it that bit easier for families to make memories together and enjoy the little treats – while giving a boost to businesses across the UK.”
Theme parks and cinemas have applauded the VAT cut, with Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, describing it as “a very welcome and timely boost for the UK’s visitor attraction sector”. He added: “Our members stand ready to pass on this benefit and deliver brilliant, memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.”
Kate Nicholls, Chairwoman of UK Hospitality, stated that a lower rate of VAT for hospitality was “the quickest and simplest way to lower prices and boost consumer confidence”.
