The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on children’s meals from 20% to 5% for the period 25 June to 1 September 2026, as part of the Great British summer savings scheme. Pubs and restaurants are already devising menus to take advantage of the discount, while industry leaders criticize the measure as a token gesture. The scheme also applies to cinema and theatre tickets and family attractions, with an estimated cost to the Treasury of £10.5 bn to £13 bn.
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Key Takeaways
It starts on 25 June 2026 and ends on 1 September 2026.
The rate drops from 20% to 5% for meals served to customers under 18.
No, there is no obligation to check IDs; the discount applies automatically to meals for customers under 18.
The Treasury estimates the cost to be between £10.5 bn and £13 bn.
Cinema and theatre tickets, and family attractions also receive the 20% to 5% VAT reduction.
Primary source
Read the full article at GuardianThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 17 June 2026. It relates to VAT developments in United Kingdom. The original source is Guardian.
