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.
READ MORE: Spotlight on Scotland's marine sector in latest independence paper
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.
READ MORE: Scottish group heads to UN meeting on nuclear weapons treaty in New York
“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.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel