NATIONAL FEDERATION OF FISH FRIERS WELCOMES SUMMER VAT REDUCTION

National Federation of Fish Friers welcomes summer VAT reduction. The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) has welcomed the government’s temporary reduction in VAT on children’s meals as part of its new “Great British Summer Savings” initiative, describing the move as an important recognition of the role VAT policy can play in supporting both consumers and hospitality businesses.

The federation said it is encouraged that government has identified VAT reduction as one of the main levers available to stimulate spending during continued cost-of-living pressures and hopes the measure will serve as a test case for wider, long-term reform of VAT in the hospitality sector.

Running from 25 June to 1 September 2026, the scheme will reduce VAT from 20% to 5% on a range of family-focused activities and services, including children’s meals consumed on restaurant premises. For fish and chip shops offering dine-in family meals, the move could help encourage spending during the summer period while supporting footfall.

The temporary reduction also applies to children’s cinema and theatre tickets, family entertainment and admission to attractions such as soft play centres, adventure parks, museums and zoos. In a further measure aimed at easing family costs, children aged five to 15 in England will be able to travel free on local bus services throughout August.

The government says the package, estimated to cost around £300 million, is intended to make summer activities more affordable for families while supporting sectors that rely heavily on seasonal demand.

The NFFF said the announcement reinforces the argument long made by hospitality operators that lower VAT can stimulate economic activity by protecting businesses and improving affordability for customers. The federation added that it hopes ministers will consider broader reform of hospitality VAT once the temporary scheme concludes.

Andrew Crook, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers said:

“Whilst we welcome any support for the sector it will be interesting to see how this scheme will be implemented as it could be detrimental to our members with takeaway services only.

“It is encouraging that the treasury have recognised that VAT reduction is an important lever they can pull to stimulate the economy and support consumers and businesses and we urge them to implement a lower rate for hospitality to safeguard the sector and enable us to then grow our businesses and provide more employment.”

Speaking about the initiative, Keir Starmer said the government wanted to ease pressure on household budgets and help families spend more time together over the summer.

“We are reducing the cost of days out together through free bus travel for children aged five to 15 in England and lower VAT on a wide range of children’s attractions, so families can spend more time together,” he said.

Rachel Reeves said the “Great British Summer Savings” programme is designed to support both households and businesses.

“Whether it is a family meal, a fun day out or a visit to one of the UK’s many attractions, Great British Summer Savings is intended to help households enjoy small treats while also supporting businesses across the country,” she said.

The VAT reduction will apply across all four UK nations and is expected to support hospitality and leisure operators by encouraging increased visitor numbers during the peak summer period. The government said it expects businesses to pass savings on to customers through lower prices.

Industry groups across hospitality and leisure welcomed the move, with representatives saying it should boost confidence among families and operators alike while helping make dining and days out more affordable.

For fish and chip businesses, the measure may provide a short-term opportunity to attract families seeking affordable meals during the school holidays — while strengthening the sector’s wider argument for a permanent review of hospitality VAT.

Image: Seafish