Tax and contracting News

The future, according to some scientists, will be exactly like the past - only far more expensive.

VAT Rate Reduced for Families over the Summer Holidays

27 - 05 - 2026

The Government has announced a reduced VAT Rate for family activities over the Summer Holidays.

The Government has announced a reduced rate of VAT on Children’s meals, certain activities and transactions over the summer period. The VAT rate will be reduced from 20% to 5% on qualifying items. The reduced rate of 5% will apply from 25 June 2026 to 01 September 2026 inclusive.

The temporary reduced rate will apply to:

 

1.      Children’s meals

where both of the following conditions are met:

Ø  The meal is held out for sale only as a meal for children

Ø  The meal is supplied as part of catering services by a restaurant, Café or similar establishment for consumption on the premises.

 

2.      Children’s cinema, theatre, show and concert tickets;

Reduced rate applies to children’s admission tickets to:

Ø  Cinema screenings

Ø  Theatrical performances, shows and concerts

Ø  Exhibitions.

 

3.      Admission to certain attractions and soft play

The reduced rate applies to charges made for a right of admission for any customers, regardless of age, to qualifying attractions that are suitable for families with children.

This includes:

Ø  Amusement parks and fairs – including water parks and theme parks but excluding pay-per-ride attractions

Ø  Circuses

Ø  Adventure parks

Ø  Museums

Ø  Zoos

Ø  Soft play centres, indoor bounce parks and indoor play facilities

Ø  Observation attractions

 

The reduced rate DOES NOT apply to sporting activities. 

 

Foremans will be advising any clients affected by the reduced VAT rate in more detail. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need any help.

 

Play the Numbers

Instant comparison between the forms of business; see the effects of legitimate expense claims, consider Flat Rate VAT or just adjust hourly rates and time spent. Look for your personal jackpot.

Help me decide

Talk to Us

Of course in the end there is no substitute for targeted personal advice. Your individual circumstances matter. You need our expertise. Get a free initial consultation – probably the best freelance decision you will make!

Help me decide

Instant Information

Our tax calculator is speedy. It is designed to give you results as you enter valid data – on the spot, in front of your eyes! We update regularly to make sure it always reflects changes in tax law and practice.

01244 625 500

Fixed Data

Assumptions

General                                                                                                                              

• The user is over 21 and subject to tax in the UK
• The user wishes to minimise their tax liability
• The user is subject to national insurance i.e.he/she is not over retirement age
• Only current tax rates and limits are applied
• No tax mitigation payments are made e.g. pension contributions
• Only 3 digit letter 'L' tax codes shown in the drop down list can be entered 
• The user does not have a turnover greater than £100,000 where fewer reliefs and or higher taxes may apply

Expenses

• All miles claimed as expenses are for business use using a personally owned car or van
• All other expenses claimed are wholly, necessarily and where appropriate exclusively for the benefit of the business

Foremans LLP Charges

• Foremans fees associated with Limited Company, Sole Trader or Umbrella are as per published rates
• Foremans current Service Costs are allowed for in all calculations.

Holiday Pay

• Holiday pay is accumulated week by week by Umbrella or Agency employer but paid out during the year

VAT

• Limited Company or Sole Trader will be VAT registered
• Limited Company or Sole Trader will take advantage of Flat rate VAT
• Flat rate applied includes the benefit of the additional 1% applicable to the first year of VAT registration

Limited Company Conditions

• One director / one shareholder in a Personal Service Company
• Director of Personal Service Company elects to vote for 100% dividend after salary, costs and expenses
• Director's salary is maximum salary to the primary threshold for NI
• The Limited Company is trading normally i.e it is not subject to IR35 and is not a Managed Service Company

NOTES

• The Current tax rates are taken from the Fixed Data Table
• The current Value Added Tax Rate is 20% and is applied to all invoices and expenses as appropriate
• The Director's Salary is fixed in relation to National Insurance thresholds. Higher Rate Taxpayers should consider the advantages and disadvantages of a larger annual salary or bonus
• Higher Rate Taxpayers may wish to consider the advantages and disadvantages of shared ownership of their business
• Users with a tax code other than three digits and letter "L" may telephone or email our Development Department to request a detailed calculation
• Generally the use of an Umbrella rather than an Agency payroll is only efficient if sufficient weekly expenses are allowable and claimed
• The expenses claimed under an Umbrella should not prevent the proper operation of National Minimum Wage