Rachel Reeves has confirmed new VAT charge changes for families as a result of the Labour Party government's cuts this summer. The government’s temporary VAT cut aims to ease the cost of living for families this summer.
The temporary VAT cut will reduce ticket prices at family attractions such as zoos and theme parks as well as the cost of children’s cinema tickets and restaurant meals.
"Families will enjoy discounted attractions and meals out this summer, with the launch of the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme to help people enjoy day out for less," the government has said, as it spreads awareness of the shake-up.
This cut in VAT rate from the standard rate of 20% will be introduced by statutory instrument and have effect on admissions from Thursday 25 June 2026 to 1 September 2026.
The government says savings for a family of two adults and two children equate to "£20 on a theme park outing, £17 for a wildlife park, £1.50 off children’s cinema tickets and £2 off children’s meals."
But be warned: prior bookings may not be refunded. Hever Castle in Kent, for instance, says on its website that the “offer is not retrospective and cannot be applied to tickets bought before this date." It adds: "Existing bookings cannot be cancelled and rebooked to take advantage of the discounted prices."
Paul Kelly, the chief executive of the British Association of Leisure Parks Piers and Attractions, said: “It may prove logistically difficult and a financial burden for some companies to issue individual refunds both in time and money, which was never the intention."
Ms Reeves 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."
The government says it “would expect that where a customer has prepaid that they would be refunded for any additional VAT paid".
