Great British Summer Savings in Stockport

When I talk to families across Stockport each week, I hear the same thing: people are still struggling with the cost-of-living. Families still have to think twice about what goes into their shopping baskets, and days out often feel out of reach.

That is why I, as your local MP, welcomed the Chancellor’s recent announcement that the Labour government recognises this, and is acting by slashing taxes on family activities this summer. From today, local restaurants, cinemas and soft play areas are among those set to help parents save on the cost of a day out with their kids during the holidays with the launch of Labour’s ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme.

The VAT rate on eligible activities will be cut from 20% to 5%.

The reduced rate will apply to:

• Children's menu meals served in restaurants

• 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.

Over 13,000 families in Stockport could benefit from this reduction this summer.

Getting there by bus will also get cheaper. Children aged between 5 and 15 years old will travel for free, making a day out even more affordable, with almost 15,000 children in Stockport set to benefit.

This comes on top of what Labour is already doing to help households with costs – including cutting energy bills by £117, freezing rail fares and prescription charges, and extending the fuel duty freeze. And, for families with children, rolling out 30 hours of funded childcare, free breakfast clubs, and extending free school meals.

I know parents in Stockport are set to have their hands full keeping the family occupied over the summer holidays. I am proud to see this scheme being delivered, and I hope this helps families in Stockport make this a summer to remember.