Holiday camp adding VAT - is this a new thing?

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My DC have done a couple of different holiday camps this summer. All with stated prices, no added extras. I am about to sign up for another camp for later in the holidays and the office have informed me there will be a 20% VAT charge, which makes the overall cost quite high.

Surely it’s not usual for VAT to be added to children’s activities? Don’t know if I should query it or not.

Policy here

I'd expect them to include it in the advertised price so it's clear what the actual cost is straight away

@Burnt0utMum

I'd expect them to include it in the advertised price so it's clear what the actual cost is straight away

Me too, as you have to pay it, and it doesnt vary by locations (like in the USA) should be advertised with VAT

Exactly. They should be stating the price in full, including whatever taxes and insurances form part of the cost.

The ONLY places which should be advertising ex-VAT are places which are potentially selling to VAT-registered customers, like Costco or a builder's merchants. Not a summer camp for kids.

Charitably, they might have been waiting for this ruling : www.uk-vat-advice.co.uk/vat-liability-of-school-holiday-clubs/ over whether VAT applies to out of school clubs or not. In essence, camps which provide specialist coaching or training delivered by trained coaches in sport or drama are not exempt. Camps which are predominantly "childcare" with a range of standard activities are exempt from VAT.