The British Museum in London has benefited from the VAT scheme

The National Football Museum in Preston and the People's History Museum in Manchester are the latest venues to benefit from the free access scheme.

Under the plan, introduced in 2001, the government refunds VAT incurred by museums and galleries.

The British Museum, Natural History Museum and National Gallery in London are among the institutions which grant free admission under the scheme.

"The policy of promoting free access to the main national museums and galleries has been a huge success, with attendances up across the board," said Chancellor Gordon Brown.

"The inclusion of the National Football Museum and People's History Museum in the VAT refund scheme reflects the national importance of their collections."

The National Football Museum, which opened in 2001, already grants free admission but will see VAT bills of �70,000 a year refunded.