Tampon tax

I'm confused. I thought the rule on VAT on sanitary products had been changed a while ago. Of course, if at that time, they became zero rated, then it is always possible to reintroduce a tax, whereas if they were classed as exempt, it isn't.

www.stylist.co.uk/people/lucy-mangan/vat-on-tampons-should-not-be-axed

VAT on sanitary products was apparently reduced to 5% in 2001.

Thanks Ana. I knew there had been some kind of change but couldn't remember what.

It is still 5% and my MP voted not to abolish it the other day - he got an email from me!

How can tampons and other sanitary products be regarded as non-essential items?

There has been a very funny commentary on this from Susan Calman on The News Quiz. One of the male members of the panel joked that he walked in on his partner inserting a tampon and thought to himself "Oh - she's really treating herself tonight!"

There were also some very funny jokes based on the fact that cake has no VAT on it - mini swiss rolls featured highly!

Aside from this continuing nonsense that sanitary items are non-essential, it was actually rather refreshing to hear a mixed panel making jokes about the inconveniences of menstruation - not so long ago that would not have happened.

How do I do my signature online post?

I tried a minute ago and the petition site had frozen.

I wonder what would happen if it was the other 50% of the population who needed these items?

There is obviously a new definition of "Essential"

www.ibtimes.co.uk/tampon-tax-full-list-mps-who-voted-against-cutting-vat-womens-sanitary-products-1525886

Find out here if your MP voted for or against abolishing the VAT.