FAMILIES IN BIRMINGHAM EDGBASTON SET TO ENJOY GOVERNMENT’S ‘GREAT BRITISH SUMMER SAVINGS’

Local MP Preet Kaur Gill has welcomed news that families in Birmingham Edgbaston can now enjoy discounted attractions and meals out, thanks to the launch of the Government’s ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme. 

Ahead of the school holidays, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has temporarily slashed VAT on kids’ menu meals, children’s cinema and theatre tickets, and tickets for attractions like soft play, adventure centres, and theme parks this summer.

In addition, children aged between five to 15 years’ old will be able to travel free on local bus services throughout August – making it easier and more affordable for people to get out and about. This will help families enjoy the weekend treats, the days out, and the small plans that make life enjoyable during the cost-of-living squeeze while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall.

The scheme will run from now until 1 September 2026 and comes on top of the Government’s wider support to help families with the cost of living. That includes cutting £117 off of energy bills and freezing prescriptions charges, fuel duty and rail fares.

Many families with children are also benefitting from the Government’s roll out of 30 hours of government-funded childcare, free breakfast clubs, including eight in Birmingham Edgbaston, and the extension of free school meals, meaning more money in parents’ pockets.

Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said: “This summer, families can enjoy fun activities to keep the kids entertained.

With school out, it can be an expensive time of year. We’re so lucky in Birmingham Edgbaston to have some fantastic family activities to enjoy, from the Botanical Gardens to there are so many things to do. The free bus travel will also mean easier access to the city centre, or further out of town.

I’m delighted that this Government is prioritising working families, and I hope all my constituents will take full advantage.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “Whether it is a fun day out, a family meal or a visit to one of the thousands of amazing attractions across the UK, Great British Summer Savings will support families with the little treats this summer while boosting business across the UK.

“This comes on top of support the Government has already put in place including freezing fuel duty, taking off £117 off energy bills, freezing prescriptions, fuel duty and rail fares.

“We are able do this because we have made the right choices, with the UK having the fastest growing economy in the G7.”

The VAT rate on eligible activities will be cut from 20 per cent to five per cent, and applies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

The reduced rate applies to:

• Children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises

• Children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions

• Admission tickets, for both children and adults, to a range of attractions, including: amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.

  
  

This money saving package supports families, while also supporting businesses through increased footfall. The government has said it expects businesses to pass on VAT savings to customers.