Families are being urged to take advantage of the final days of a Government scheme designed to make the summer holidays more affordable, the Chancellor has said. John Healey encouraged people across the country to use the Great British Summer Savings scheme before it concludes on September 1.
Scheme details and purpose
The initiative aims to help families enjoy summer activities despite rising living costs caused by the Iran war and other global turmoil. Under the programme, VAT is reduced from 20% to 5% on children's meals in restaurants, as well as on tickets for attractions such as theatres and soft play areas. The scheme also provides free bus travel for children aged between five and 15.
Mr Healey said: "I want every family to get out and enjoy the bank holiday weekend by taking advantage of the final days of Great British Summer Savings." He added: "This Government is determined to give people a bit of breathing space. So families can afford the days out that make the summer holidays special. Whilst giving our world-class attractions and businesses a welcome boost in trade."
Participating businesses and impact
The Government has listed more than 2,100 restaurants and attractions on its deal finder website as part of the scheme, where families can locate discounts near them. On Thursday, the Chancellor visited the Haven Kiln Park holiday site in Pembrokeshire, as the company announced its customers across the UK had collectively received £4 million as a result of the scheme.
Some 251,000 families have benefited from the savings across Haven sites UK-wide, with 39,000 families in Wales. Greene King, which is also participating in the scheme, said its customers had saved a cumulative £740,000, resulting from 1.1 million children's meals sold and more than 80,000 entries to soft play areas.
