Summer savings for children launched

Families travelling this summer will benefit from free bus travel for children as part of the government's efforts to help with the cost of living.  

The government is committing more than £100 million to fund the free fares scheme and also continuing to support bus services. Every child aged five to 15 in England will travel free on participating local buses throughout August – with unlimited journeys, no registration required and at no cost to families. 

It is part of a scheme called 'Great British Summer Savings', which also includes cutting VAT on family activities from 25 June to 1 September 2026.

The government says this will 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.

In addition, products including biscuits, chocolate, dried fruit and nuts are set to see targeted cuts to agri-food tariffs, to help to reduce pressure on food prices. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

'We know many hard-working families are still feeling the squeeze and too often think they have to hold back.

'By giving every child free bus travel throughout August and cutting tariffs on everyday food items, we're putting money back into people's pockets and making life that bit easier.

'This government is focused on practical steps that help right now - easing pressure on household budgets, supporting parents during the school holidays and backing British businesses.'

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