23/05/2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves statement to Parliament on 21 May included the following -
- For hauliers, the Government is granting a 12-month road tax holiday for HGVs, saving the typical heavy lorry up to Ā£912.
- To support farmers and the rail freight industry, cut duty on red diesel by over a third until the end of this year.
- fuel duty has extended the 5p cut again, with no rise this year, recognising the pressure that the war has put on fuel prices.
- travel
1) bus travel across England will be free for children aged between 5 and 15 throughout August
2) the 45p mileage rate has increased to 55p per mile, backdated to April 2026
- hospitality - Great British Summer Savings scheme to help families and support our hospitality sector. A temporary cut in the rate of VAT on summer attractions from 20% to 5% from 25 June to 1 September 2026.
This will apply to ticket prices for both adults and children, covering attractions such as fairs, theme parks, zoos and museums. It will include childrenās tickets for cinemas, concerts, soft play and the theatre.
And it will cut the cost of childrenās meals in restaurants and cafes from 20% VAT to 5% as well.
