Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume says local firms have welcomed the government's temporary VAT cut on family activities and says she is working with local bus operators to ensure there is enough capacity for children to use free summer transport.
Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume has shared positive feedback from local firms ahead of next week's temporary cut in Value Added Tax on family activities.
The reduction is part of the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, which is designed to help families enjoy days out for less during the cost of living squeeze.
From the twenty-fifth of June until the first of September, VAT will be slashed from twenty per cent to five per cent on eligible activities across the United Kingdom. This includes children's menu meals served in restaurants, children's tickets for cinemas and theatres, and admission tickets for both adults and children to a wide range of attractions such as amusement parks, museums, zoos, and soft play centres.
Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume said:
"Obviously, I welcome the Chancellor's great British Summer Savings announcement a few weeks ago. So, we'll see VAT slashed from 20% to 5% on activities, children's meals, and attractions. And I'm already hearing from from businesses in Scarborough and Whitby, this is very welcome.
Of course, they want the They want the cut to stay permanent, but I don't think the Chancellor can afford that."
The temporary measure is estimated to cost around three hundred million pounds and aims to support businesses by increasing footfall throughout the peak summer season. The government expects businesses to pass the VAT savings directly onto customers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has highlighted that too many parents feel they have to hold back during the summer holidays because household budgets remain stretched. He confirmed that cutting the cost of a day out together is central to the new initiative.
In addition to the tax cut, the Great British Summer Savings scheme includes a further boost for households with younger family members. Children aged between five and fifteen in England will be able to travel for free on local bus services throughout August, making it more affordable for people to get out and about.
Ahead of the rollout, Alison Hume has been in discussions with local transport companies to guarantee that the transport network can cope with the anticipated increase in passenger numbers. The initiative coincides with the peak tourist season on the Yorkshire Coast, prompting concerns about potential overcrowding on local routes.
She said:
"In August it does mean that there will be free bus travel for children and I've already been in touch with our bus operators to check that they've got capacity, because what I said in parliament was I don't want our local children squeezed off the buses because the we'll have a rise in tourists, which of course we welcome, but we want our children to be able to get on the buses so I'm talking to the bus operators about that."
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated that the scheme will support families with the little treats in life while boosting business. The Chancellor noted that the targeted approach is consistent with the government's strategy to reduce borrowing and debt.
Industry leaders have also responded positively to the announcement. The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions described the move as a timely boost for the visitor attraction sector that will give businesses added confidence as they head into the summer season.
The scheme will cover the entire school holiday period, providing significant savings for families visiting the Yorkshire Coast over the coming months.
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