// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Hospitality wants permanent VAT cut, 'not gimmick'
The VAT cut on children's meals did not apply to takeaways, only dine-in options
Hospitality and tourist businesses in Cornwall are calling for a temporary VAT reduction scheme to be widened and extended.
The government's £300m Great British Summer Savings scheme aimed to help families with the cost of the summer holidays. The temporary 15% VAT reduction, from 20% to 5%, applied to family attraction tickets, children's meals and cinema tickets for just under 10 weeks.
Keith Southwell, managing director of Lappa Valley Railway, said it "hadn't made any difference whatsoever" to his business, with many customers "benefitting but not even realising".
The government said the scheme was "increasing footfall for businesses over the summer... and boosting local economies".
Lappa Valley Railway's Keith Southwell said customers he spoke to had not heard of the scheme despite posters around the site
Since the end of June until 1 September, VAT was reduced on children's meals served in restaurants, as well as kids' and family tickets for cinemas, shows, exhibitions and outdoor venues and activities.
Tara Stapley, the general manager of the Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park in Bideford in north Devon, said: "Numbers have increased slightly and I think that is partly down to the summer savings scheme."
The business reduced ticket prices and added more children's meals to the menu.
Stapley said there were "lots of people calling and asking about it".