J D Wetherspoon has announced a price reduction on children's meals across all 800 of its pubs this summer, as the Government's "Great British Summer Savings" scheme comes into effect. The pub giant is passing on savings from Chancellor Rachel Reeves' temporary VAT cut, which reduces the rate from 20% to 5% on family-focused activities and dining from June 26 to September 1.
Price Reduction Details
A standard children's meal at Wetherspoon will now cost £5.03, a £0.72 reduction from the previous price of £5.75. The nationwide scheme, announced in May by the Chancellor, aims to help ease the cost of living during the school holidays. Wetherspoon joins numerous major retailers from the hospitality and entertainment sectors in participating in the cost-cutting programme.
Other Participants and Savings
McDonald's is among the high street names embracing the tax reduction, with Happy Meals dropping 27% to just £2.99 across all restaurants. Fast food rival KFC has similarly signed up to the Government scheme, offering families additional options for cheaper dining out. Theme parks and attractions are also delivering savings, with Merlin Entertainment reducing prices across its 20 venues. Advance tickets for both Alton Towers and Legoland have fallen from £34 to £29.75 following the adjustment.
Additional Summer Measures
As an additional summer measure, children aged five to 15 can access free bus travel on participating local bus services across England throughout August.
Chancellor's Statement
On May 21, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "I recognise that what matters for families is not just getting by, but being able to enjoy time together without worrying about the next bill. That is why I am launching the Great British Summer Savings scheme to help families and support our hospitality sector. So I can today announce a temporary cut in the rate of VAT on summer attractions from 20% to 5% over the summer holidays. This will apply to ticket prices for both adults and children, covering attractions such as fairs, theme parks, zoos and museums. It will include children's tickets for cinemas, concerts, soft play and the theatre. And it will cut the cost of children's meals in restaurants and cafes from 20% VAT to 5% as well. These changes will apply across the UK from the start of the Scottish school summer holidays on 25th June and run until the end of the school holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 1st September."
