On Tuesday 24 October, supporters for Say Pants to the Tax – a campaign led by M&S and WUKA to level the playing field on period products, visited Downing Street.
In 2021, the Government made the decision to abolish the ‘Tampon Tax’. This meant that period products like pads and tampons stopped incurring VAT. But the current VAT rules mean that period pants are classified as garments and therefore taxed at 20%.
In August 2023, Marks & Spencer and WUKA launched the Say Pants To The Tax campaign. Wellbeing of Women backed this campaign, calling for the end of the 20% VAT on period pants. With the support of Politicians and charities, a parliamentary petition was launched that accumulated more than 36,000 signatures.
Now in October, our CEO, Janet Lindsay joined Tracey Crouch CBE MP, Binky Felstead, Laura Charles Lingerie Director at M&S, Alison Thewliss MP, Selaine Saxby MP, to hand in a public letter to calling for period pants to be reclassified as a period product to the Chancellor and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
Laura Charles, Lingerie Director at M&S, who delivered the letter, said: “Yesterday, on Downing Street, M&S came together with an incredible cohort of women to hand-deliver a letter that has had overwhelming support from a breadth of politicians, retailers, charities, and business leaders asking for the Government to level the playing field on period products.
“Just one month away from the Autumn Statement and we’re not throwing in the towel - we urge the Chancellor to do the right thing and make this official legislation. It’s a tiny percentage of the Government’s budget but a change that will make a big difference to women’s budgets across the country.”
Binky Felstead, M&S Ambassador, said: “I’m so proud to be involved in supporting a cause that would make such a big difference to so many women. It was an honour to join Laura, Tracey, Selaine, Alison and Janet yesterday and I really hope the Chancellor delivers some good news next month.”
Buying period products is not optional for women. Making them more affordable should therefore be a priority and dropping this tax on period pants would show that the Government can understand this. Period pants are better for the environment and more sustainable in the long term”
Janet Lindsay
Wellbeing of Women CEO
Alison Thewliss MP said: “The Chancellor has already accepted the logic of removing VAT on sanitary products, so it’s only right that he extends that VAT cut to period pants. They are essential for many women and girls and have the bonus of being better for the environment than disposable products. I’m proud to stand with the campaign to Say Pants to the Tax!”
Selaine Saxby MP said: “I am glad that in 2021, the Government removed the ‘Tampon Tax’ from women’s sanitary products. However, a 20% VAT still applies to period pants which I believe is unacceptable which is why I have signed an open letter calling for the removal of VAT on period pants to level the playing field on period products.
I support M&S and WUKA’s campaign because it is just not right in my mind that women trying to reduce their impact on the environment pay tax on their more environmentally friendly period products.
I would like to say a huge thank you to M&S and WUKA for championing ‘Say Pants To The Tax’ and it was great to take this campaign to Downing Street. I do hope it will be included in the Autumn Statement because whatever period product someone chooses to use, it should be VAT free.”
Find out more about the Say Pants To The Tax campaign.
Laura spent years suffering from heavy and painful periods, which affected her life. Then she was forced to leave a job she loved because of her menstrual health. Now, Laura is speaking out, because she believes workplaces should be more open and respectful of women’s health.
Nia experienced painful cramping and nausea when her period came which stopped her from participating in the sports she loved. Looking back, Nia now knows that there is support and information available.
From the moment Zaynah started her period, she experienced severe pain and heavy bleeding that impacted her education. It took over five years for her to get her diagnosis of endometriosis and adenomyosis. Now, Zaynah is raising awareness of the different gynaecological conditions by supporting her friends on their period journey.