The UK will temporarily reduce VAT on tourist attractions, children’s leisure activities and related services from 25 June to 1 September, alongside tariff suspensions on selected food imports, as part of measures to ease cost pressures on households and support the hospitality sector.
The UK announced on 21 May 2026 a temporary reduction in value-added tax (VAT) for tourist attractions and related services from 25 June 2026 to 1 September 2026, aimed at supporting families and the hospitality sector amid rising energy costs following the Iran war.
British finance minister Rachel Reeves said the VAT rate for attractions including theme parks, zoos and museums will be cut to 5% from 20% during this period. The reduction will also apply to children’s tickets for cinemas and theatres, as well as their restaurant meals. In addition, bus travel will be free for children under 15 in August. She said in parliament the measures would “help families and support our hospitality sector”.
As part of the wider package, the United Kingdom will suspend import tariffs on dozens of food products, including biscuits, chocolate and nuts. Reeves urged supermarkets to pass on the savings in full to consumers and keep prices low.
The government said the measures will be funded by accelerating planned changes to the taxation of international oil and gas groups.
Officials noted that regulated utility bills and earlier energy measures helped contain inflation in April, but price growth is expected to rise to around 4% in the coming months. Reeves also indicated that further targeted and temporary support for businesses may be introduced if the energy crisis continues into winter.
