Families in Swansea face cheaper days out this summer, after a temporary cut to VAT on children’s meals, cinema tickets and family attractions came into force this week.
The reduction is part of a UK Government scheme, branded “Great British Summer Savings,” running from 25 June until 1 September.
It cuts the VAT rate on a range of family activities from 20% to 5% across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The lower rate applies to children’s menu meals eaten in restaurants, and to children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions.
It also covers admission to attractions including theme parks, soft play centres, museums, zoos, fairs, adventure parks, nature reserves and wildlife parks.
In Swansea, that means cheaper visits to local restaurants, pubs and family attractions — from independents such as the Secret Bar and Kitchen to chains like Nando’s.
The scheme follows the VAT cut first announced in May, which will run through the school summer holidays.
Swansea West MP Torsten Bell, a Treasury minister who helped put the discounts in place, welcomed the move.
“Families across Swansea will be able to enjoy their summer holidays that bit more this year,” he said.
He said he was “delighted at the boost this will give to the many fantastic local pubs, restaurants and attractions.”
Bell said the focus on living standards was “exactly right,” and that the scheme would help bring down bills.
The government has said it expects businesses to pass the VAT savings on to customers — though there is no requirement for them to do so, meaning the size of any discount at the till will vary from place to place.
The cut comes on top of other cost-of-living measures, including a £150 reduction in energy bills and a freeze on fuel duty.
For families weighing up how to fill the six-week break, the savings could take the edge off the cost of eating out and visiting attractions across the city and beyond.
Parents are being encouraged to check with individual venues to see how the reduced rate is being applied before booking.
