Restaurants across the UK are preparing to lower prices on their menus as the government temporarily reduces sector VAT by more than £4 billion.
For a six-month period, VAT will be trimmed on meals, accommodation and attractions – diving from 20 to 5per cent.
This will enable the hospitality sector to lower prices and subsequently attract more customers.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the VAT amendments in July, along with an “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme that entitles customers to 50 per cent off (up to £10 per head) at participating venues.
VAT (Value Added Tax) is paid on goods and services – but is often already included as part of the advertised price.
ADVERTISEMENT
The government is hoping that these short-term changes will help to reboot the economy.
Pubs, cafes and restaurants were forced to close for the best part of three months when COVID-19 gripped the country, surviving solely on takeaway services.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, with lower VAT in place, some of the bigger chains are in a position to lower the prices of their hot food and drink for a temporary period.
Here are the brands who’ve already confirmed they’ll be offering discounts from today (15 July).
KFC
KFC was quick off the mark to announce some price cuts in the wake of new VAT rates.
ADVERTISEMENT
Earlier this week, the fried chicken chain confirmed on Twitter they’d be serving half-price boneless buckets and shaving a few quid here and there off other ‘fan favourites’.
“It’s welcome news,” said a spokesperson.
“Equally, our fans have been amazing over the past few months, so we are rolling out price reductions across our menu too.”
It’s worth noting, however, that whilst the low VAT rates are around until January, this special offer is not.
£4.99 boneless buckets are only available from today (15 July) to Sunday (19 July).
ADVERTISEMENT
KFC has, however, promised more “fantastic deals” in the coming weeks.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is asking its UK franchisees to trim prices on various items in the wake of the VAT cut.
The Golden Arches is recommending that its restauranteurs apply discounts to breakfast and coffee, as well as popular classics like the Big Mac, the Quarter Pounder and Chicken Nuggets.
Extra Value Meals could see 40p reductions, with customers also set to enjoy 30p off Happy Meals and 50p off morning meals.
Many McDonald’s venues are still operating limited menus around the UK, with the gradual reintroduction of seasonal/exclusive items being added over time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nando’s
Nando’s has also jumped on the bandwagon and promised to offers discounts for customers – but not just on a few select items.
Nope. The South African restaurant is passing on VAT savings across its whole menu (except items that don’t qualify, like alcohol and cold food) for eat-in, delivery and click and collect.
So, from today (15 July), you can order a Nando’s and enjoy bigger savings on the bill than ever before.
On a quarter chicken, for example, you’ll pay 55p less.
Global coffee chain Pret also piped up on Twitter this morning (16 July) to confirm they’d be cutting prices across their menu in the coming days.
As of yet, there’s no confirmation as to which items will be subject to discounts, but coffee and hot food could be candidates.
Pret wrote on social media: “We’re passing back temporary VAT savings to our lovely customers.
“So over the next few days, you’ll notice lower prices on your favourite coffees, hot food and a few other treats.
“Cheers!”
ADVERTISEMENT
Starbucks
Starbucks, too, has gotten in on the act and elected to lower the cost of coffee for customers from July.
The coffee chain announced on Tuesday that they’ll be passing on the full VAT discount in company-operated stores, meaning customers will get to enjoy lower prices.
The discounts will apparently be applied to drinks and hot meals.
Other venues with Starbucks licenses are being left to choose where to offer discounts; so certain prices may remain standard in some premises.
News
Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’ not Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Paddy McGuinness has admitted that he believes “Bolton still falls under Lancashire” and not Greater Manchester.
The famous comedian and TV presenter – who was born and raised in Farnworth in 1973, back when it genuinely was still categorised as Lancashire – made the somewhat controversial declaration to his millions of followers on Instagram this week as he shared some pictures of himself that are currently featuring as part of a photography exhibition.
McGuinness is one of dozens of local famous faces forming part of the ‘Greater Mancunians’ project by The Manchester College.
150 students have participated in the landmark photography project – which is currently on display down at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall – and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.
Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Ricky Hatton, Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Maxine Peake, Jonathan Warburton, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE are among the 100 contributors featured in the project, alongside McGuinness.
The 50-year-old, who is most well-known for his acting and presenting roles in Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, Take Me Out, and Top Gear, says it was “a real honour” to be featured in the exhibition.
McGuinness wrote on Instagram: “It was a real honour to take part in the Greater Mancunians project with the students at The Manchester College. The exhibition is full of people from music, comedy, politics, poetry, television, medicine and beyond.”
He then said it’s “well worth popping in if you’re in town”, before dropping the final Bolton-related bombshell: “PS, I’m still saying Bolton falls under Lancashire.”
In case you’re unfamiliar with the borough’s history, Bolton was considered to be a part of Lancashire until Greater Manchester was formally established all the way back on 1 April 1974 – but still to this day, the town is located within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire.
After making the bold claim about Bolton’s geographical location, McGuinness has been met with praise and has received hundreds of comments from other Bolton and wider Greater Manchester residents agreeing with him and sharing their similar opinions under the post.
“I think they should redefine Lancashire back to its old borders, it would bring unity to the area and create a northern powerhouse,” one person commented.
Another fan wrote: “Bolton will always be in Lancashire for me”, while a third commented: “ALWAYS Lancashire. Can’t move land boundaries, they’re not pieces of paper,” a fourth shared a similar sentiment: “They can tell us we’re Greater Manchester, but I know Im a Lancashire lass,” and a fifth added: “Lancashire all the way lad.”
“BOLTON WILL ALWAYS BE LANCASHIRE,” another clearly strong-viewed comment reads.
“Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.
“We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.”
She had previously written upon her mum’s diagnosis: “Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.
“My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you. Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.
“Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.”