THE UK Government is set to abolish the tax currently placed on period pants following a campaign backed by an SNP MP.
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to announce that the specialist sanitary products will be “zero-rated” and no longer subject to VAT during Wednesday’s Autumn Statement.
While the so-called “tampon tax” on period products such as a sanitary pads and menstrual cups was removed by the UK Government in 2021, period pants were classed as garments and therefore not included in the exemption.
The SNP MP Alison Thewliss has championed the abolishment of the tax on period pants as part of the #PantsToTheTax campaign spearheaded by Marks and Spencer and period pants company WUKA.
Last month, Thewliss joined entrepreneur and former Made in Chelsea star Alexandra "Binky" Felstead and two Conservative MPs – Tracey Crouch and Selaine Saxby – to deliver a letter calling for the change to Downing Street.
“I am delighted to see that the UK Government has listened to the calls and is expected to abolish the tax on period pants,” said Thewliss.
“The #PantsToTheTax campaign has worked tirelessly to call for the abolishment of this tax, and it is pleasing to see common sense prevailing from the UK Government.
“The Chancellor had already accepted the logic of removing VAT on sanitary products, so it was only right that this was extended to period pants. These products are essential for many women and girls and have the bonus of being better for the environment than disposable products.
“I want to congratulate everyone involved in the #PantsToTheTax campaign. The abolishment of the tax on period pants will support women and girls all over the country during this cost-of-living crisis, removing a financial barrier for so many during these difficult times.”
