05/06/2026
Big Summer Savings for Cheshire East families including an expected £700,000 off children's bus fares this August
New analysis from Cheshire East Labour reveals the big savings local families are set to enjoy thanks to Government action on the cost of living this Summer.
This August, children aged 5-15 will get free bus travel helping families across England get out and explore. One return trip a week per child at an average £1.50 child fare would save a family £13.50 per child. At that rate families travelling with children in Cheshire East would save over £700,000 through the month.
Families will also pay less for children’s meals in restaurants, kids' tickets to cinemas and theatres, and entry to a wide range of attractions thanks to Government action.
Throughout summer, VAT will be temporarily cut by the Labour Government to help reduce the cost of days out and support businesses by increasing footfall as government launches Great British Summer Savings scheme.
From 25 June to 1 September 2026, VAT will be slashed on eligible activities, to helping families enjoy the weekend treats, the days out, the small plans that make life enjoyable during the cost of living squeeze while supporting the businesses that depend on summer footfall.
Great British Summer Savings will be a targeted and temporary scheme to reduce the costs of children’s meals in restaurants, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas and tickets for everyone for attractions like soft play, adventure centres, and theme parks, helping families enjoy a day out for less.
Publishing the analysis, Labour’s Cllr Laura Crane, cabinet member for Children's Services at Cheshire East Council said,
“Enjoying time with your family is so important for our mental health and we know that the summer holidays can be a particularly tough time for families with the additional costs activities can bring. The Great British Summer Savings scheme will help reduce costs for those summer holiday life experiences which are so important for children's well being. Free bus travel for children will mean that households on low incomes can get out and about, and cheaper children’s meals and tickets for cinemas, theatres and a whole range of days out will be cheaper too, making households' budgets stretch that little bit further.
These savings aren’t going to end the cost of living crisis on their own, but they are going to help thousands of children in Cheshire East. It’s a step in the right direction, and will provide real help now when families need it.”
ENDS
