SONIA KUMAR MP WELCOMES NEW “GREAT BRITISH SUMMER SAVINGS” TO HELP DUDLEY FAMILIES WITH COST OF DAYS OUT
DUDLEY — Sonia Kumar, Member of Parliament for Dudley, has welcomed the Government’s new “Great British Summer Savings” scheme, which will slash VAT on family-friendly activities and children’s meals this summer to help ease cost of living pressures for families across Dudley.
Under the scheme, VAT will be temporarily reduced from 20% to 5% between 25 June and 1 September 2026 on eligible attractions, entertainment venues and children’s meals, helping reduce the cost of family days out during the school holidays.
The reductions are expected to apply to activities such as cinemas, theatres, museums, soft play centres and other family attractions, alongside children’s meals in restaurants and cafés.
Ms Kumar said the measures would provide welcome support for working families in Dudley while also helping local hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses during the busy summer period.
Sonia Kumar MP said:
“Families across Dudley are still feeling the pressure from the cost of living, and for many parents the summer holidays can be one of the most expensive times of the year.
“This new support will help make family days out, children’s activities and meals more affordable for local residents while also giving a boost to businesses across Dudley town centre and our wider local economy.
“Whether it’s taking children to the cinema, going out for a meal, visiting local attractions or enjoying time together during the school holidays, this scheme is designed to help families keep more money in their pockets.
“I particularly welcome the focus on supporting working families while also backing the hospitality and leisure sectors, which employ many people locally here in Dudley.
“After years of rising costs, people want to see practical support that makes a real difference to everyday life, and this is exactly the kind of measure that can help local families over the summer.”
The Government said the “Great British Summer Savings” scheme forms part of wider action to support households with the cost of living while helping businesses attract more customers during the summer holidays.
