The conflict in the Middle East has pushed up the cost of energy, fuel and everyday goods for families across the UK. Rising costs at the fuel pumps and the tills are putting pressure on families across the country, with many opting not to travel this summer. The little joys in life matter, a family holiday, a meal out, or a day trip making memories with your kids.
The government is here to help. These measures won’t undo that pressure, but they’re designed to make the summer of 2026 a little easier and to help families so they don’t feel squeezed this summer.
This is part of a wider package. The Great British Summer Savings sit alongside action on energy bills, fuel costs, wages and childcare, all part of the government’s response to the cost of living pressures that global events have made worse. See the full support available to you →
What’s available this summer?
Three new measures come into effect this summer to reduce the cost of days out, travel and getting around for families with children.
UK wide
VAT cut on children’s days out 🎡
Reducing VAT from 20% to 5%
We’re cutting VAT to reduce the cost of children’s restaurant meals, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and all tickets for attractions like soft play, amusement parks, and museums. That means lower prices at the till, automatically.*
Fuel duty freeze ⛽
Prices held – no further rise this year
Fuel duty is frozen until the end of this year, protecting families from further increases at the pump at a time when the cost of getting around has already risen sharply.
England outside London
Free bus travel for children 🚌
Free travel on local bus services in August
Children aged 5-15 travelling on local bus services in England can travel free in August. Whether it’s going on a day out, visiting family or just getting around, the bus is on us.
This applies to local bus services in England. It does not apply in London, where children’s free travel is already in place through TfL, or in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where travel support is devolved.
Find bus routes near you →
* Full eligibility details and participating venues for the VAT cut will be published shortly. This page will be updated as further details are confirmed.
Wider cost of living support
These summer measures are part of a broader package the government has put in place to help households with the pressures of rising costs, made worse by the conflict in the Middle East affecting global supply chains and energy markets.
Energy bills
£150 off bills through the Warm Home Discount. Insulation grants. Tariff switching support.
See energy support →
Fuel costs
Fuel duty frozen. Fuel Finder to compare prices. £3 bus fare cap extended to April 2027.
Find cheaper fuel →
Families and children
Free breakfast clubs. Free school meals. Holiday Activities and Food programme.
Children’s support →
Wages and work
National Living Wage up 4%. 2.7 million workers receive at least £900 more a year.
Check your pay rate →
Free and low-cost things to do this summer ☀️
Alongside the new savings measures, there’s a range of free activities available to families across England, from museums and parks to holiday food programmes and reading clubs.
- Free museums and galleries – some venues across England offer free entry all year, with special summer programmes for children. Find museums near you
- Summer Reading Challenge – free at your local library for children aged 4–11. Find your nearest library
- Holiday Activities and Food programme – free holiday activities with meals for children on free school meals. Find a place near you
- Parks, nature and the outdoors – national parks, beaches and local green spaces with free ranger-led events. Browse outdoor activities