Ben Maguire Welcomes Summer VAT Cut but Wants It Extended

Cheaper days out are coming this summer. But one local MP says the good news has a catch.

Ben Maguire, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, has welcomed the Government’s decision to temporarily cut VAT on hospitality, entertainment and visitor attractions this summer. He called it a “step in the right direction” after sustained pressure from the Liberal Democrats.

What the cut actually means

The temporary measure follows Liberal Democrat calls for the Chancellor to reduce VAT by 5% until April 2027 for pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues. The party argued the move would help families during the cost-of-living crisis and support businesses facing mounting financial pressures.

Ben said the cut was a “climbdown” from the Government, and that ministers had “finally listened to Liberal Democrat calls to reduce VAT for hospitality and tourism businesses.”

He pointed to local names that could feel the benefit. Camel Creek Adventure Park, along with pubs, restaurants and cafés serving children’s meals across North Cornwall, should see increased visitor numbers because of the change.

The catch

For Ben, a summer-long measure isn’t enough.

“This temporary summer measure is good news, but it must go further, particularly in rural areas like North Cornwall, where hospitality businesses continue to struggle with rising costs and the increase in National Insurance contributions,” he said.

He wants the Government to roll the policy out to cover all eating out and to extend the VAT reduction through to April 2027, as the Liberal Democrats have proposed.

Ben said he will keep pressing ministers to go further and give the hospitality and tourism sectors long-term certainty. He flagged the uncertain future for Sharp’s Brewery in Rock, and the rate at which pubs are closing across the country, currently two a day.