This half term it was fantastic to see so many families enjoying local events and spending time together. I welcome the Government’s commitment to supporting parents during the summer holidays. We will be cutting VAT on children’s restaurant meals, children’s tickets for theatres and cinemas, and admission tickets to family attractions such as soft play centres, amusement parks, and museums. These changes will reduce the cost of days out and holiday activities.
This package is further strengthened by the decision to freeze fuel duty until the end of the year, helping to protect families from additional increases at the pump. We have also cut the fuel duty rate on red diesel to help farmers who use it in their tractors and other agricultural machinery. These measures will help millions of families across the country by easing pressure on household budgets and keeping food and fuel costs as low as possible.
It is important that every child gets the best possible start in life, from enjoying activities during the summer holidays to receiving specialist support for those with more complex needs. As part of my work contributing to the Government’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) consultation, I visited Chiltern Wood Special School, where I heard about their excellent work supporting children and young people with complex additional needs.
I have made further representations to the Education Secretary on behalf of students at Buckinghamshire New University who contacted me about maintenance loan payments being stopped for those on weekend-only courses. I am pleased that overpayments will now be recovered through the normal student finance repayment system, and that the recovery of grants has been paused.
In my role as Environment Secretary, I was delighted to represent the Government at Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday celebration. I also attended the Chelsea Flower Show, where it was wonderful to see Western hemlock trees grown locally in Penn showcased as part of one of the gardens. It was encouraging to see a local conservation issue highlighted on a national stage, helping to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and restoring our ancient woodlands.