Overview
- The government launched the Great British Summer Savings scheme on Thursday 25 June, cutting VAT from 20% to 5% for qualifying children’s meals and single‑entry family and children’s tickets until 1 September.
- Participation is voluntary so discounts will vary between venues and there is not yet a comprehensive public list of outlets taking part.
- Several large operators have committed to pass on savings and published example price cuts, including Merlin parks, Odeon, Vue, Cineworld, McDonald’s, Nando’s and Wetherspoons.
- The relief excludes season, weekly or annual passes and some discounted or adult items, and small firms warn of extra admin work to update tills and menus to apply the temporary rate correctly.
- The Treasury estimates the scheme will cost about £300 million and the wider package also includes free bus travel for children in England during August to boost access and visitor numbers.