Newquay MP Welcomes Summer VAT Cut for Children’s Meals and Tickets

A meal out, a cinema ticket, the bus into town. For families with children this summer, each of those is about to cost less, and the MP for St Austell and Newquay is pitching the Duchy as the place to spend the savings.

Noah Law has invited visitors to Cornwall for a “Summer of Family Fun” on the back of the Chancellor’s recent run of announcements aimed at household budgets.

What’s been announced

The 5p fuel duty cut has been extended until 2027, which the Government says will save the average driver £120. Green levies have been removed from energy bills, knocking £117 off the average household’s costs. Inflation has come down to 2.8%, in spite of recent geopolitical shocks.

On 21st May, the Government announced the Great British Summer Saving Scheme. Under it, VAT on children’s meals at restaurants and cafés will fall from 20% to 5%. The same cut applies to children’s tickets at cinemas, theatres, concerts, museums, soft play centres, and tourist attractions. Free bus travel will also be introduced for under-15s.

A boost for local businesses

Noah said: “This is a set of targeted interventions, that should help get people and their families through the doors of our wonderful hospitality venues this summer. I was glad to hear local businesses welcome some of these measures.”

The wider economic picture has shown signs of improvement. The UK grew 0.6% in the first quarter of 2026, and the IMF has upgraded its annual growth prediction for the year from 0.8% to 1%.

Newquay’s pitch

Mark Warren, Newquay BID Manager, said: “We’ve got a fantastic town with so much going on; amazing businesses, award winning restaurants, and so much culture, such as our family friendly mural trails. There are so many events in the town this summer, including our regular market, food festivals, and so many family focused events. We’d love to see more people come to Newquay enjoy everything we have to offer – not only for the Summer, but also year-round.

“With regular hourly trains, a great park and ride, and lots of car parks, even if you’re not staying in Newquay it’s easy to come over for a day visit. But whether it’s a day trip or it’s for the week, there’s lots to do, so come visit Newquay.”