VAT reduction on summer fun attracts mixed reaction

Hospitality firms welcome ‘great news for the UK’s visitor economy’ but some experts remain wary about cost implications for businesses, reports Neil Shaw

- Neil Shaw

The Government's Great British Summer holiday scheme will cut VAT on eligible activities ranging from theme parks to play-day centres and nature reserves from 20% to 5% across England.

THEME parks and cinemas have welcomed the slashing of VAT on tickets over the summer holidays, in a Government move to help families with the cost-of-living crisis - but experts have warned the savings need to be checked.

The Government's ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme will cut VAT on eligible activities ranging from theme parks to soft play centres and nature reserves from 20% to 5% across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Other attractions subject to the lower VAT rate will include children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions and admission tickets for both children and adults to fairs, museums, zoos and circuses. The cut will also apply to children’s meals eaten on attraction premises.

Fiona Eastwood, chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, said: ‘This is great news for the UK’s visitor economy and for families planning trips this summer. As the season gets under way, this timely move from the Government will make it easier for people to get out, explore and create memorable moments together at destinations across the country.

‘Merlin will be applying this VAT cut to both admission tickets and children’s meals, adding more value to days out and short breaks at our 20 UK attractions’.