Great British Summer Savings

Good news on the economic front, inflation has fallen to 2.8%, and the rate of economic growth was higher than expected at the start of the year, which is the highest in the G7 – one of our manifesto pledges. This has allowed targeted support to ease the cost of living and to boost the economy this summer.

For Cornwall, these measures will be particularly helpful. A temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on children’s meals and eligible children’s activities over the summer holidays will help families better afford days out, while supporting hospitality businesses that depend on summer footfall.

Free bus travel for children aged 5–15 will also be available throughout August, with unlimited journeys and no registration required. The government funding is available for every operator that wants to sign up to the scheme and will help make it easier and more affordable for families to travel across Cornwall during the school holidays. This support is particularly welcome given the pressure on local transport following the withdrawal of the First Group from Cornwall’s bus services.

We are helping local families and the visitor economy by ensuring Cornwall remains an affordable and attractive place to spend time this summer.