Reeves’s tax cut on children’s meals a political ‘soundbite’, say restaurateurs

Chancellor’s measure to help families save money during summer holidays ‘won’t make any difference’ Cutting tax on children’s meals is a political “soundbite” that will make little difference to families or businesses, restaurateurs have said. This week, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, announced a temporary reduction in VAT on the children’s menu in restaurants from 20% to 5% between June and September, in order to help families with the cost of living crisis and offer a boost to the hospitality sector. It is part of a package including free bus journeys for under-16s in England in August and cuts to import taxes on some basic foods under a “Great British summer savings” campaign. But there are questions over how much of the savings will be passed on to consumers, with many restaurateurs claiming children’s food is often already sold at a loss. Will Murray, the owner of London restaurant Fallow, serves up a children’s menu featuring pizza, cheeseburgers and grilled fish from between £5 and £10. “It’s such a small soundbite that won’t make any difference,” he said. “Most kids’ food is already discounted at the cost of the restaurant anyway: the V

May 23, 2026 → Jun 4, 2026