Why tax cut will not help city’s sights
A number of historic attractions in Bath will not see price reductions despite the Government’s VAT cut, it has been confirmed.
The tax, which the Government has agreed to temporarily cut from 20 per cent to 5 per cent, will be reduced for hospitality and tourism businesses until January 2021.
Companies such as holiday park chain Center Parcs have confirmed that prices will be reduced for customers for varying periods as a result of the reduction.
Bath and North East Somerset Council, which owns and operates major historical attractions in the city such as the Roman Baths, the Jane Austen Centre and Prior Park Landscape Gardens, has stated that none of its attractions that charge an admission fee will see them reduced.
The council has confirmed that it will not be reducing entry prices on its attractions because it is already exempt from paying VAT on these fees.
The council confirmed it has a “cultural exemption”, meaning it is unaffected by the Government’s reduction of the tax and therefore not able to reduce prices any further.
Under the law regarding VAT, admission fees to museums, galleries, zoos and art exhibitions, as well as “a theatrical, musical or choreographic performance of a cultural nature”, do not have to pay the tax on any admission fees.
Other attractions in Bath that are run by the council and will not see price reductions include:
■ The Georgian Garden
■ American Museum
■ Number 1, Royal Crescent
■ Museum of Bath Architecture
■ Holburne Museum
The council confirmed earlier this month it would be offering free tickets to the Roman Baths for local residents upon reopening on July 6, with the offer set to remain in place throughout July.
However, not all council-run cultural attractions will be reopening this month.
It has already been announced that the Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery will remain closed until at least April 2021 as efforts are made to make up a massive shortfall in tourism income caused by the coronavirus pandemic.