Families will pay less for cinema trips, theatre visits and children’s meals this summer as a temporary VAT reduction kicks in from June 25.
The rate on family tickets to attractions, shows and children’s restaurant meals will drop from 20% to 5% until September 1 2026, mirroring UK government action to ease cost-of-living pressures.
In further relief, fuel duty support first introduced in March 2022 has been extended until December 31. Motorists had faced a 5 pence per litre increase from September prior to this week’s UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcement.
Farmers and fishermen will benefit from a red diesel duty cut from 10.18p to 6.48p per litre from June 15 until the end of the year, a reduction of more than a third and the lowest level in more than two decades.
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas said: “We recognise that household budgets feel the strain from rising costs and continue to monitor and respond to where support is most needed.
“Cutting VAT on family activities and extending fuel duty support is set to help residents manage everyday expenses while also giving a welcome boost to local businesses during the summer months.”
Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber added: “Fuel costs are a real and significant pressure for our hard-working farming and fishing businesses.
“This significant reduction in red diesel duty will provide practical support and greater certainty, helping to protect livelihoods and enabling producers to continue contributing to the island’s economy.”