Most families are starting to feel the full effects of the current credit crunch take hold, meaning that a special day out to a theme park this summer may be off the cards for many. Merlin Entertainments are now trying to do their bit by tackling the Government on the issue of VAT charged on UK attractions compared to the equivalent charged on European attractions. Signs are now displayed outside all of the Merlin attractions in the UK reading as follows:

"We are sorry to inform you that your visit to this attraction is costing more than almost all of our fellow attractions in the European Union.

This is because unlike most EU stats the British Government insists on charging the public a VAT rate of 17.5% on all admissions to visitor attractions in the UK. VAT rates in other EU countries are as low as 5% on visitor days out and are therefore cheaper and more affordable.

We are working with other attractions to get our Government to reduce the VAT rate for admission to attractions and welcome your comments.

Thank you for taking the time to read this notice and we hope you have a fantastic day."

It is very unlikely that the Government will pay much attention to such a campaign, as with the current economic climate this will not hold much weight. However, just to put this into context for you, if the rate of VAT was reduced to 5% it would amount to approximately £3.70 saving on the adult gate price, £10 on the family of four ticket, £13.30 on an individual Merlin Annual Pass and £40 on a family Merlin Annual Pass.


What's you're opinion on this and will it work

I hope it works because at the moment the prices are abit high and with the credit crunch as well people may not be able to afford it. It would be a real relief if they did lower the prices though I have to admit.

I think the prices will decrease.
If not because of this, because everything is becoming too expensive, even travelling to the park is costing too much now.

so to even get people tempted to go they will be forced to lower entry prices


mat
:)x