Image source: kerkezz – Adobe Stock
How You and Your Family Can Save Big on Days Out, Eating Out and More This Summer
Everyone loves a good bargain, and this summer, the government is giving families across the UK even more reason to get out and enjoy cheap family days out. Between the 25th of June and the 1st of September, the Great British Summer Savings scheme is temporarily cutting VAT rates on a range of activities, meals and cultural experiences for children and families across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Thanks to the lower VAT rates, those planning motorhome or campervan adventures this summer could benefit even more, as reduced attraction and dining costs can help make UK road trips and staycations more affordable.
What is the Great British Summer Savings Scheme?
In a bid to ease the pressures of the cost of living and encourage families to enjoy days out during the summer holidays, the government has announced that VAT on children’s and family activities, as well as children’s meals eaten out, will be reduced from 20% to just 5%.
Although businesses are not required to pass these savings on to customers, it is encouraged, and many companies, restaurants and attractions have already confirmed that they will be taking part in the scheme by lowering the prices of eligible goods and services.
Alongside the VAT reduction, children aged 5 to 15 in England will be entitled to free travel on participating local bus services throughout August. The scheme does not extend to London, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, as these regions already benefit from free or discounted bus travel year-round.
Which Companies are Taking Part?
Many well-known brands and attractions are providing savings to British consumers this summer, including Nando’s, McDonald’s, Vue, Odeon, Cineworld, Wetherspoons, Merlin Entertainments attractions such as LEGOLAND and Alton Towers, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, the National Trust and many more. As an example of the discounts on offer, a ticket to Thorpe Park is £4.25 cheaper than the usual price and a McDonald’s happy meal is available for just £2.99, down from around £4.59.
Although many household names are participating in the scheme, smaller businesses that have been affected by reduced footfall and rising costs may not be able to offer discounted prices at their venues. However, it is still worth checking, as some may be offering their own discounts or special promotions throughout the summer.
Image source: Mimi – Adobe Stock
Who and What do the Great British Summer Savings Apply to?
The discount is primarily tailored to children and families, with the discounts on food being applied only to children’s meals, that is; meals that are marketed, portioned and priced as children’s meals and are eaten inside the establishment (meaning they are not applied to takeaways). Although the VAT is applied only to children’s meals, as long as the prior conditions are met, there is no rule prohibiting adults from ordering off the children’s menu, should you wish to do so.
In addition to this, the discount is also applied to children’s and family leisure activities. For cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions, the discount only applies to children’s or family ticket packages. However, for amusement parks, fairs, water parks, zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, soft play centres and other places suitable for families, the reductions are replied regardless of age, meaning adults without children will also benefit from the discount.
The venues that the VAT cuts will apply to, as stated by Gov.uk will include:
- restaurants, cafés and similar catering establishments
- cinemas, theatres, exhibition and performance venues
- circuses, fairs, amusement parks, theme parks, adventure parks and water parks, zoos and other animal attractions, soft play centres, observation attractions and certain other family-focused attractions
- museums and similar cultural attractions
Sporting activities and admission to watch sporting events are not included within the VAT exemption.
When Will the Great British Summer Savings Scheme Start?
As mentioned, the scheme will be running from 25th June – 1st September, from the start of the Scottish school summer holidays until the end of the summer holidays in England and Wales. Many businesses have already implemented price reductions, meaning you can start saving now!
One important thing to note is that the discounts only apply to tickets that are purchased and used within this period. This means you cannot save on future purchases outside this timeframe, including annual or seasonal passes, unless they are valid only within the discounted period.
Can I Get a Refund on Tickets I Have Already Purchased?
Businesses are able to claim VAT relief on tickets that have already been purchased for the relief period, meaning they can refund the difference to customers. Some are issuing automatic refunds, whilst others are only issuing refunds upon request. In some cases, other incentives are being provided in lieu of refunds, such as in the case of the National Trust, which is providing gift vouchers rounded to the nearest £5.
Though again, some smaller businesses may not be issuing retrospective refunds, either because they are not passing on the discounts or because the administrative costs associated with refunds would be too high, which is the opposite of the scheme’s intended effect.
Experience Affordable Adventures This Summer with Peace of Mind
Planning to make the most of the summer savings travelling around in your motorhome and campervan? Make sure you’re covered by one of our comprehensive policies, protecting you from accidents, theft, uninsured drivers, covering your personal items and much more.
Give us a call on 0208 984 0666 to get a quote and speak to a member of our knowledgeable and friendly team, who can help you find the right cover at the best possible price. Alternatively, you can also get a quick, easy and hassle-free quote online on our website.
