Credit: Getty
News
A new campaign calls on the government to remove the tax on period pants
By Meg Walters
2 years ago
2 min read
The Say Pants to the Tax campaign aims to reduce the cost of periods for women all over the UK.
A new campaign is calling on the government to do away with the VAT tax on period pants. Spearheaded by M&S and Wuka, along with a number of politicians and activists, the Say Pants to the Tax campaign aims to reduce the cost of period pants for women all over the UK, making their basic sanitation needs more affordable. An open letter supporting the campaign has been signed by 35 MPs and peers, along with numerous charities, non-profits and media organisations.
The campaign comes in the wake of the government’s 2021 removal of the so-called ‘tampon tax’, which means VAT is no longer paid on tampons, pads and menstrual cups. However, period pants, which are still classed as garments, remain subject to VAT since the decision.
Victoria McKenzie-Gould, corporate affairs director at M&S, said: “The government made a brilliant start by removing VAT from disposable period products but we need them to finish the job and level the playing field so that whatever period product someone chooses to use, it is VAT free.
“Nearly 25% of women cite cost as a barrier to using period pants. If they were classified as they should be – as a period product – the government can make this brilliant alternative to disposable products a more cost-effective option for UK consumers.”
M&S has also released a promotional video to spread awareness about the campaign:
“M&S customers over the last few years have paid over £1.5 million in tax on their pants, and we don’t think that’s right,” said Laura Charles, lingerie director at M&S, in the video. “This three-pack pair of briefs is retailing at £20. If we removed the VAT, that would mean they would retail at £16, and we’d pass those savings onto our customer.”
The campaigners are hoping to reach 100,000 signatures on their petition, the number required to trigger a parliamentary debate on the issue.
This campaign comes at a time when many women and girls are struggling to afford basic sanitation throughout their menstrual cycles. A 2022 report commissioned by Girlguiding found that almost a third of girls and young women had no access to free period products through their schools and colleges, even though a governmental scheme was in place.
Another survey by WaterAid in 2022 found that one in five people in the UK are using makeshift sanitation pads to save money.
In May 2023, ActionAid reported that 21% of women and people who menstruate in the UK struggle to afford sanitation products – that’s up from by 9% since 2022.
As the cost of living crisis continues to make everyday essentials more and more expensive, it has never been more vital to support campaigns that aim to end period poverty in the UK.
If you wish to get involved with the Say Pants to the Tax campaign, please sign the petition.
Image: Getty
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