As reported by HM Treasury on 28 August 2026, the government's Great British Summer Savings scheme was due to end at midnight on 1 September 2026. The report said families had saved millions of pounds through a VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on eligible children's meals in restaurants and on tickets to attractions such as theatres and soft play, along with free bus fares in England for children aged five to fifteen. The VAT cut had been in place since 25 June.

Haven, described as the UK's leading holiday park operator, said it had returned £4 million to holidaymakers as a direct result of the scheme, with around 251,000 families benefiting across its UK sites, including 39,000 in Wales. The report said more than 2,100 eateries and attractions were listed on the government's deal finder. ODEON said more than 1.2 million guests benefited from discounted cinema trips, and Greene King reported selling more than 1.1 million children's meals with cumulative customer savings above £740,000. Merlin said it welcomed almost 5 million guests between 25 June and the report date.

Chancellor John Healey encouraged families to use the scheme over the bank holiday weekend. Haven CEO Simon Palethorpe said the scheme helped put "more smiles on more faces this summer." The report also cited support measures including a £2 bus fare cap in 2027 and removing VAT from electricity bills.