By Emily Youlton, Senior Politics Producer

The government has launched it’s “Great British Summer Savings” scheme, providing cheaper tickets and free bus travel with an aim to help families get “money off trips out with the kids”.

The prime minister has said these measures are to help tackle the cost of living and giving families “the opportunity to take the kids out”, but it has been met with some criticism that it’s not as beneficial for families on the lowest incomes.

At the launch of the scheme, the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said she wants “every family to be able to enjoy themselves”.

The plan will cut VAT from 20% to 5% on ticket prices for both adults and children for attractions such as fairs, theme parks, zoos and museums, as well as on children’s tickets for cinemas, concerts, soft play, theatre and meals in restaurants and cafes.

The scheme runs between June 25 to September 1.

So, what actually are the savings and how can you benefit? ITV News explains where and how families can make the most of these savings.

Days Out

The government announcement provides a cut to VAT on a variety of tickets and children’s meals across the UK from the usual 20% to 5%, so businesses can choose to pass that saving on to customers by reducing the price.

Children’s and family tickets are included in the tax cut for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions.

Plus, tickets for both children and adults are exempt on attractions including amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.

Many big entertainment brands have praised the initiative and said they’ll be taking part, including cinemas Odeon and Vue.

The prime minister was handing out popcorn on Thursday to celebrate cheaper cinema tickets Credit: PA

Lots of other entertainment parks will reduce prices, like those in the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, which includes big names like Thorpe Park, Longleat and Peppa Pig World.

The savings on an advanced ticket booked online for Thorpe Park would be just under £5 down from £34 to £29.75.

A ticket to Longleat for a family of two adults and two children could save £17.50 on their cheapest tickets.

Eating Out

The VAT reduction also applies to children’s meals served in restaurants and eaten in, so takeaway’s do not count.

This should mean cheaper food for children when eating out as the VAT is 15% less but it doesn’t apply to adult meals or to any meal that’s not specifically from a children’s menu.

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Travel

Every child aged five to 15 in England can access free bus travel on participating local routes, with more than £100 million being spent to fund it and support bus services facing increased costs.

This excludes London, where under-18’s already have year round free travel on TfL buses and trams and discounted fares on the Tube, DLR and Overground.

The other Home Nations don’t have any changes to their travel as many already offer transport discounts to children and young people.

Wales offers five to 15 year olds £1 single fares on bus and capped day tickets for £3. In addition, 16-21 year olds can also get reduced fares by applying for a MyTravelPass.

In Scotland, anyone aged between five to 21 years can travel free on most local and long-distance buses.

In Northern Ireland, children aged five to 15 (and 16-year olds in school) are entitled to half-price fares on buses if they apply for a Half Fare Smart Pass.

Children under five can travel for free on most public transport, but it’s best to check with your provider.

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