Thorpe Park Mania

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Merlin Blame Government 2/07/2008 Signs have started appearing around all UK based Merlin Attractions apologizing to guests about the high prices. The sign outlines that Merlin have to pay a 17.5% VAT rate on admission to all it's UK based attractions, opposed to 5% it pays in other EU countries.

However this tax has applied for over 20 years, and it's not clear why they've started to do this now. It's apparently a campaign for all British based attractions, to have the rate lowered.

The full sign reads

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 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

This comes as the parks start to experience one of there busiest times of the year as thousands of school trippers descend on the park for their end of year trips.