Rachel Reeves has announced a series of measures aimed at easing the cost of living for families, including a cut in VAT for attractions such as theme parks, zoos and museums over the summer. The chancellor's 'Great British Summer Savings' scheme also includes free bus travel for children in England during the school holidays in August.
Key Announcements
Reeves unveiled a £350 million critical chemicals resilience fund and a £120 million fund to support the ceramics sector as part of the cost-of-living package. Additionally, she confirmed a 10p per mile increase in tax-free mileage rates, backdated to April 2026.
Food Tariff Suspensions
In a move to reduce grocery bills, Reeves suspended tariffs on over 100 different foods sold in supermarkets, including staples such as baked beans and biscuits. This is expected to lower prices for consumers.
The full cost of living support package includes these measures, which are designed to provide immediate relief to households across the country.
