Working families are paying full price for some of the UK’s most famous attractions while those on benefits can visit the same destinations for a fraction of the cost, sparking fury among many who believe it punishes UK workers.
Several MPs have criticised a system that gives those out of work or on long-term sickness benefits access to cut-price days out. Helen Whately, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, told The Times that people were “frustrated” by the discounts.
Households receiving Universal Credit and similar support can unlock steep discounts, in some cases cutting entry prices by more than £100 for a single day out. More than 80 attractions across the UK offer discounted entry to people on benefits.
At the Tower of London, a family of four would pay £111. However, if one adult is on benefits, the total entry cost will drop to just £4. Those on benefits can also get meals at half the price at the major attraction. A visit to London Zoo will be reduced from £108 to £26, saving families around £82, while discounts of roughly £68 are available at HMS Belfast.
The Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary said: “Taking your children for a day out in London to see the sights has become punishingly expensive. No wonder people are frustrated to see huge discounts offered to households on benefits. But the real issue here is not the cost of tickets to visit the Tower of London; it’s the relentless taxation of working households to fund ever higher benefits for those who are not.”
However, a tourism source told The Times: “Many attractions have charitable status and as part of this offer discounts to those who are on benefits, but it’s a balancing act.”
