'I'm really excited' - Rachel Reeves praises Blackpool as Chris Webb MP invites Chancellor to resort
Families visiting Blackpool this summer could benefit from cheaper attractions, meals and travel after the Chancellor announced a major new tourism support package backed by Blackpool South MP Chris Webb.
Blackpool businesses and families are set to benefit from a new Government scheme aimed at boosting tourism and cutting the cost of summer days out.
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The Chancellor has announced the Great British Summer Savings scheme, which will see VAT cut from 20 per cent to five per cent on children’s meals in restaurants and on children’s tickets for attractions including cinemas, theatres, concerts, theme parks, museums, zoos, soft play centres and adventure parks.
The reduction will run from June 25 until September 1, covering the peak summer holiday period.
Alongside the VAT cut, all children aged between five and 15 in England will receive free bus travel throughout August on participating local services.
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb welcomed the announcement and said he had invited the Chancellor to visit the resort to see the opportunities in the town first hand.
MP for Blackpool South, Chris Webb said: “Blackpool is ready for a huge summer and this support will mean more people enjoying everything our town has to offer while helping local businesses grow and create jobs.
“As Chair of the APPG for Hospitality and Tourism, I’ve been pushing for support for towns like Blackpool because our local economy depends on a strong visitor economy.”
Speaking about the resort, the Chancellor said she was “really excited” about what is happening in Blackpool, particularly ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Blackpool Illuminations in three years’ time.
She added: “I very much look forward to my next trip to Blackpool.”
Tourism remains one of Blackpool’s biggest industries, with attractions, hospitality venues and entertainment businesses expected to see a boost during the summer season.