On 8 July 2020, the government announced that it would introduce a temporary reduced VAT rate of 5% for certain supplies of hospitality, hotel and holiday accommodation, and admissions to certain attractions. The 5% rate was initially introduced to last for a temporary period between 15 July 2020 and 12 January 2021. This was subsequently extended to 30 September, 2021.

A new reduced tax rate of 12.5% will be introduced on 1 October 2021, a which will apply for another six months, until 31 March 2022. Here are the key dates and VAT rates so far: