Great British Summer Savings

The Great British Summer Savings scheme is brilliant news for Blackpool families and for our tourism and hospitality sector.

Yesterday, the Chancellor announced a temporary cut in VAT on summer attractions, children’s meals and entertainment over the school holidays.

From 25 June until 1 September, VAT will fall from 20% to 5% on children’s menu meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for cinemas, theatres and concerts and entry to attractions including amusement parks, museums, zoos, soft play centres, fairs and adventure parks.

This is big news for Blackpool. For local families it means access to local attractions that are often out of reach financially – and with free bus travel for five-15 year olds throughout August also announced, a great day out on your doorstep is even more accessible.

It’s great news for our tourism economy too. Our town depends on tourism and hospitality and local jobs depend on a strong summer season. When families have more confidence to spend money on a day out or a meal together, Blackpool benefits.

As Chair of the APPG for Hospitality and Tourism, I’ve been pushing for support for support for the industries. These announcements show the government is starting to listen and understand how important this sector is.

The news came on the same day that Blackpool Pleasure Beach opened their brand new ride, Aviktas and I took the opportunity to invite the Chancellor to come and try it out for herself.

This is practical support that people will actually feel over the summer. Cheaper meals, lower ticket prices and free bus travel for young people – and more people coming through the doors for local businesses.

Blackpool is ready for a busy summer and this package gives families and local businesses a boost at the right time.