Jon Pearce MP welcomes new summer cost-of-living support for families

Families across High Peak will benefit from cheaper days out, discounted meals and free bus travel for children this summer as the government launches its new Great British Summer Savings scheme.

From 25 June until 1 September 2026, VAT will be cut from 20% to 5% on a range of family activities, including children’s meals in restaurants, cinema and theatre tickets, and entry to attractions such as soft play centres, museums, zoos and adventure parks.

The package also includes free local bus travel throughout August for every child aged five to 15 in England, helping families across High Peak get out and enjoy the school holidays without extra transport costs.

Jon Pearce MP welcomed the measures, saying they would make a real difference to local families while also supporting tourism and hospitality businesses across the constituency.

Jon Pearce MP said:

“Families across High Peak are still feeling the pressure on household budgets, especially during the school holidays when the cost of keeping children entertained quickly adds up.

“This new Great British Summer Savings package will help families enjoy more quality time together for less, whether that’s visiting local attractions, going for a family meal or simply getting out and about during August with free bus travel for children.

“High Peak has fantastic local businesses, cafés, visitor attractions and hospitality venues that rely on a busy summer season. These measures will not only support local families but also help bring more customers through the door and support jobs in our area.”

The Government says the temporary VAT cut is designed to reduce the cost of family activities while increasing footfall for businesses during the busy summer period.

The support comes alongside wider measures already announced by the Government to help with the cost of living, including freezing fuel duty, freezing rail fares and prescription charges, increasing the minimum wage, and reducing average household energy bills.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scheme would help families create memories together during the summer holidays, while Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government’s priority remained protecting households from rising costs and supporting businesses across the country.

The Government estimates the Great British Summer Savings scheme will cost around £300 million and says businesses are expected to pass VAT savings directly on to customers.

The free bus travel scheme for children will run from 1 to 31 August on participating local bus services across England.