Free bus trips and chocolate tax cuts to be announced

Ticket prices for families at various attractions such as theme parks, zoos. museums will be cheaper during the summer holidays through a cut to VAT, the chancellor has said.

Rachel Reeves announced a temporary reduction in VAT from 20% to 5% from when schools break up in Scotland at the end of June until children return to classrooms in England, Wales. Northern Ireland on 1 September.

The discount, which will be up to businesses to pass on, will also apply to children's entry to cinemas, concerts, soft play. theatres, as well as children's meals in restaurants and cafes.

The VAT cut was part of a flurry of government policy announcements aimed at easing cost of living pressures.

As well as the cut in VAT on tickets for attractions, the chancellor announced free bus journeys for children in August. cuts to import taxes on some basic foods under a "Great British Summer Savings" campaign.

"I recognise that what matters for families is not just getting by,. being able to enjoy time together without worrying about the next bill," Reeves said.

"That is why I am launching the Great British Summer Savings scheme to help families and support our hospitality sector."

The scheme announcement comes as households are experiencing rising fuel prices at the pumps,. are bracing themselves for higher energy and food bills due to the war in Iran disrupting supply chains.

It is also an attempt by the government to wrestle back control of the political agenda as the uncertainty surrounding the Prime Minister's future continues.

While the VAT cut has been announced by the government. it will be up to businesses to pass the savings on to customers.

Value added tax, or VAT, is the tax people have to pay when buying goods or services. The standard rate of VAT in the UK is 20%. with about half the items households spend money on subject to this rate.

The reduced rate to 5% this summer will apply to:

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