Historic Kettering park responds to Government’s summer holiday VAT break for attractions and meals out
As things hot up at Kettering’s Wicksteed Park for the summer, a new VAT holiday for children’s meals out and tickets has been cautiously welcomed by management.
Throughout summer, VAT will be temporarily cut to help reduce the cost of days out as the Government launches its ‘Great British Summer Savings’ scheme.
The VAT rate on eligible activities will be cut from 20 per cent to five per cent and applies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Wicksteed Park director Kelly Richardson said: “We have yet to receive official notification of this move, so the first thing is for us to check whether we qualify.
“The VAT cut itself will not financially benefit the park as it will be passed on to paying customers through reduced prices, although we would hope that cheaper tickets and wristbands may encourage more people to visit us, which would bring in more revenue.
“However, there is a risk that people may hold off visiting over the next few weeks, preferring to wait until the VAT cut comes into effect and prices fall at the end of June.
“Also, of course, whatever benefits arise for visitors and theme park operators will be lost again when the scheme ends.
“We are not alone in having already agreed our pricing structure for the year and spent significant amounts on marketing material around the park and in communicating directly to potential visitors, so more money will now have to be spent notifying people of the changing prices.”
The reduced rate will apply to children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises, children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions and admission tickets, for both children and adults, to a range of attractions, including amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.
Starting on Thursday, June 25, the scheme continues until Tuesday, September 1.
Labour MP for Kettering Rosie Wrighting said: “I know how important it is for local families to make memories over the summer, and across Kettering, Rothwell, Desborough, Burton and the villages we have some fantastic options for days and meals out – from Wicksteed Park to soft play and the Lighthouse Theatre to local cafes and restaurants.
“The measures announced today aim to make sure that those experiences aren't only reserved for the families who can afford them, and that our local businesses can see higher footfall throughout the summer.”
The new measures have been introduced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves – a well-known Wicksteed Park fan.
She said: “Whether it is a fun day out, a family meal or taking advantage of the thousands of amazing attractions across the UK, Great British Summer Savings will support families with the little treats in life while boosting business across the UK.”
Paul Kelly, chief executive officer of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, said: “This is a very welcome and timely boost for the UK’s visitor attraction sector. It will help make great days out more affordable for families, while giving our members added confidence as they head into the peak summer season. The businesses we represent are at the heart of communities across the country, supporting jobs and local economies, and this measure recognises their importance.”