Families to Benefit from Summer VAT Cut on Meals and Leisure Activities

Families across the UK will benefit from reduced costs on children’s meals and popular leisure activities this summer as the UK Government introduces a temporary cut to VAT through the new Great British Summer Savings 2026 scheme.

From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT on eligible family activities and children’s meals will be reduced from 20% to 5%, helping families access affordable entertainment, cultural activities and days out during the school holidays.

The temporary reduced rate will apply across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, beginning at the start of the Scottish school summer holidays and continuing throughout the wider UK summer break.

Eligible services include:

• Children’s meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises
• Children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, exhibitions, shows and concerts
• Admission tickets for attractions including amusement parks, fairs, circuses, museums, zoos, adventure parks, soft play centres and observation attractions

Children’s meals are defined as meals served from a children’s menu and marketed, presented and priced specifically for children.

The scheme is designed to support families with the cost of living while encouraging people to make the most of cultural, creative and recreational activities over the summer period.