Why am I receiving this email?

Please note that this is not a spam email. You are receiving this email as you have subscribed to receive all updates from South and Vale Business Support when registering for one of our events, or by asking us directly to add you to our mailing list.

If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please unsubscribe below.

View a web version of this newsletter.
Welcome to a special hospitality edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on a temporary reduced rate of VAT for children's meals, tickets and family attractions and the Councils' business FAQs on the scheme. Further details can be found below.

We're also highlighting a potential support package for South Oxfordshire pubs, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Helping High Streets Online Surgery and planning your summer via the Southern Oxfordshire website.

Plus, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to be kept up-to-date in between our newsletters.

There are lots more opportunities, events and resources to get stuck into this week, but as always, if you'd like to suggest content for the SVBS newsletter, please get in touch with us.

- South and Vale's Economic Development team
Temporary reduced rate of VAT for children's meals, tickets and family attractions: South and Vale Business FAQs

HM Government has introduced a temporary VAT reduction from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on selected family-focused goods and services. The scheme is designed to support household spending and increase footfall for businesses during summer 2026. 

The reduced VAT rate is scheduled to run from 25 June to 1 September 2026 (inclusive). After this period, VAT returns to the standard rate.

To help build awareness of the scheme, we've put together some business FAQs.

Plus, if your business is planning related promotions, including special offers, and would like to support our Visit Southern Oxfordshire marketing campaigns during the summer, please let us know.
Cabinets to consider support packages for South and Vale pubs

South and Vale's respective cabinets are due to consider emergency support for pubs and other rural businesses at cabinet meetings on 2 July and 3 July. Details of the proposed support schemes can be found within the agenda reports pack for each cabinet.

Please note that cabinet meetings are streamed live on the Live tab of South and Vale's YouTube channel. Confirmation of any new business support will follow in our next newsletter.
Helping High Streets Online Surgery

If you operate from a high street, town centre or local parade location in Oxfordshire, you're invited to get involved in the Helping High Streets online surgery.

The surgery is designed for owners and managers of high street businesses across Oxfordshire, including:
  • independent retailers, cafes, restaurants and pubs
  • health, beauty and wellbeing businesses
  • charities, social enterprises and local services.
There are two sessions to choose from, taking place on Tuesday 30 June from 9.30am - 10.30am, and Thursday 2 July from 8pm - 9pm.

Attendees can expect:
  • a quick overview of the Helping High Streets Programme so far
  • key insights from business diagnostics and Boost Plans
  • themes emerging from Spotlight Sessions, Collab Labs and one to ones
  • real examples of actions high street businesses are taking
  • a live Q & A session
  • an open discussion on the support that would help you most next year.
Register for your free place via Eventbrite using the links below.
Make the most of summer in Southern Oxfordshire!

From family-friendly festivals and community events to outdoor activities and great days out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer.

Explore what’s happening near you and start planning your perfect summer with our handy 'What’s On' calendar.
Know someone else who could benefit? Forward this newsletter and help us spread the word!

Copyright © 2026 South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, all rights reserved.

To find out more about how the council holds, uses and stores your personal data, please click on the appropriate council’s link:


South Oxfordshire District Council   |  Vale of White Horse District Council
Facebook
LinkedIn
Email
Web