The summer holidays should be about spending time together, making memories and enjoying everything our area has to offer, not worrying about the cost of a day out.
That’s why I welcome the support being made available to families across Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley, Longdendale and Dukinfield this summer, helping to make activities and travel more affordable during the school holidays.
Until 1 September, VAT has been reduced from 20% to 5% on a wide range of family activities. That includes children’s meals, cinema tickets, theatre trips, concerts, exhibitions and admission to many popular attractions such as museums, zoos, soft play centres, adventure parks and wildlife parks. For families looking to keep children entertained over the summer break, these savings can quickly add up.
Alongside this, children aged between 5 and 15 can travel on Greater Manchester buses for free throughout August. This is a simple but important measure that can help families visit friends and relatives, explore different parts of our region and enjoy days out without the extra cost of transport.
We are fortunate to have so much on our doorstep. From our local parks and countryside to cultural attractions across Greater Manchester, there are countless opportunities for families to spend quality time together, stay active and create lasting memories.
I know that many households are still feeling pressure on their finances. Even when inflation has eased, everyday costs remain a concern for many families. Practical support that helps reduce the cost of activities and travel can make a genuine difference, particularly during the long summer break when keeping children occupied can be expensive.
Measures like these are about ensuring that more families can enjoy the holidays without having to make difficult choices. Every child deserves the opportunity to have a fun and memorable summer, and every parent deserves support when household budgets are stretched.
I hope families across Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley, Longdendale and Dukinfield will be able to take advantage of these offers and make the most of the weeks ahead.
You can find out more about the discounts available and participating businesses through the Summer Savings website.